Chlorine Taste and Smell in Tap Water: How to Reduce It

Woman drinking a glass of tap water – taste and feel the chlorine

Chlorine is added to mains water to keep it safe to drink from community sources, but it leaves a taste and smell many people dislike. Puretec states that water filters designed to reduce chlorine and other chemicals are highly effective at reducing the unwanted taste and smell. Choose an under-sink filter for drinking water, or a whole-house filter to treat every tap, including the shower.

Why reduce chlorine?

Puretec notes that chlorine can make water unappetising to drink, can leave skin feeling dry and itchy (especially for those with sensitive skin), and can affect appliances that use water and degrade seals on tapware and toilets.

Whole-house filters: every tap and shower

Whole-house systems treat water as it enters the home, so you drink and shower in filtered water. Puretec adds that filtered water is better for lawns and gardens too.

FilterWall F series – triple-stage filtration that reduces chlorine, sediment, bad taste and odour. The F4 and F6 also reduce scale build-up from hard water.
WH2 series – a dual filter system that reduces sediment, chlorine, bad taste and odour, available in 1″ and 1.5″ connections and 30 to 60 Lpm models.

Under-sink filters: drinking and cooking water

Puretec’s Z series under-sink filters connect to your existing mixer tap and filter your whole cold water supply at that sink. Puretec states the Z series filters chlorine, sediment, Giardia and Cryptosporidium cysts and trihalomethanes (THMs) through three stages of filtration.

PureMix Z6 – 0.1 micron (nominal), designed for low-sediment mains water; ultrafiltration filters out bacteria such as E. coli.
PureMix Z7 – 1 micron (nominal), designed for low-pressure, high-sediment applications, suiting mains, rain, harsh and rural water; inhibits scale and bacterial growth in the cartridge.

Shower filter: a simple DIY option

If dry skin and hair in the shower is the main concern, the SF240-CH shower filter screws onto your existing shower head with no re-plumbing. Puretec states it combines carbon and KDF media to reduce chlorine, sediment, chemicals and heavy metals, with a typical filter life of 6–12 months depending on usage and water quality.

Which should you choose?

Only bothered by drinking water taste – an under-sink Z series filter.
Want filtered water at every tap, the shower and the garden – a whole-house FilterWall or WH2.
Hard water as well – FilterWall F4 or F6.
Shower only – SF240-CH.

Installation: connection to your water supply must be carried out by a licensed plumber, and any hard-wired electrical work by a licensed electrician.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there chlorine in my tap water?

Puretec explains that chlorine is necessary to ensure water remains safe to drink from community sources, but it leaves a chlorine taste and smell.

Does a whole-house filter reduce chlorine in the shower?

Yes. Whole-house systems such as the FilterWall F series and WH2 treat water as it enters the home, so shower water is filtered too.

Can I install a shower filter myself?

Puretec describes the SF240-CH as a quick and simple DIY installation with no plumber required – it screws onto your existing shower head. Under-sink and whole-house filters must be connected by a licensed plumber.