By QLD Water Filtration Team · Published · Updated . Prices are estimates for standard installations and are confirmed in your fixed quote.
Why does my tap water taste like chlorine?
Queensland suppliers add chlorine, and in many areas chloramine, to keep drinking water safe as it travels through the pipes to your tap. Some of it stays in the water and can leave a swimming-pool taste or smell. How noticeable it is varies by supply and by home.
The taste is a sign your water is being disinfected, not a sign that something is wrong with your plumbing. The good news is you do not have to put up with it.
Chlorine vs chloramine: what is the difference?
Chlorine and chloramine are both disinfectants used in South East Queensland water supplies. Chloramine, a mix of chlorine and ammonia, lasts longer in the pipes. Many filters handle chlorine easily, so check that yours is designed to reduce chloramine as well.
Which one your home gets depends on your local supplier. Our region pages explain the water supply for each area we service, including what your supplier says about disinfection.
How do you remove the chlorine taste from tap water?
An activated carbon filter is the standard fix. Fitted under your sink it cleans the water at your kitchen tap, and fitted at the mains it filters every tap and shower. Reverse osmosis goes further for drinking water. Jug filters help in small amounts.
| Option | What it fixes | Best for | Installed price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jug or fridge filter | Taste, in small amounts | Renters and tight budgets | Not installed |
| Under-sink filter | Chlorine taste at the kitchen tap, on demand | Drinking and cooking water | From $1,190 |
| 5-stage reverse osmosis | The finest drinking water, as well as chlorine taste | Households wanting the finest drinking water | From $1,590 |
| Whole-house filter | Chlorine, chloramine and sediment at every tap and shower | Suburban homes on city mains water | From $3,490 |
Under-sink or whole-house: which should you choose?
Choose under-sink if the taste bothers you in drinks and cooking. Choose whole-house if you also want chlorine and chloramine reduced in the shower and at every tap in the home. Many households start with one and add the other later.
A whole-house system filters the water as it enters your home, so every tap, shower and appliance gets filtered water. An under-sink system focuses on the water you drink and cook with.
Whole-house vs point-of-use water filters →
Want the chlorine taste gone for good?
Book a free on-site water test. We check your water and plumbing and recommend the right filter for your home, with a fixed-price quote and no obligation.
Quick things to try today
Chilling your water in the fridge makes it taste milder, and a filter jug helps in small amounts. Letting a jug stand can reduce chlorine, but chloramine lingers, so for a lasting fix you need a carbon filter that is designed for it.
- Keep a jug of water in the fridge, because cold water often tastes milder
- Use a filter jug for small amounts of drinking water
- Know the limit: standing water helps with chlorine but not with chloramine
- For every tap, every day, without refilling, install a proper filter
How much does it cost to remove chlorine from tap water?
Under-sink filtration starts from $1,190 installed, reverse osmosis from $1,590 and whole-house from $3,490, or from $24 a week with Zip Pay. Under-sink installs take 2 to 3 hours and whole-house 3 to 4 hours, with a 12-month workmanship warranty on installation.
Filters then need replacing about every 6 to 12 months, and our VIP Filter Care Club handles that for you from $299 a year.
Get fresh-tasting water at home
Book a free on-site water test. We test your water at your place, check your plumbing and recommend the right filter for your home, then give you a fixed-price quote with no obligation at all.
Common questions
What does a whole home filtration system filter out?
QLD Water Filtration systems are designed to reduce chlorine, chloramine, sediment and other common impurities found in Australian water supplies. Optional configurations can address additional concerns such as heavy metals or mineral hardness.
How quickly will I notice a difference?
Many homeowners notice improvements in taste, clarity and shower feel immediately. Benefits such as reduced scale build-up and appliance protection become more noticeable over time as treated water flows consistently throughout the home.
How often do filters need replacing?
In line with global best practices, most systems require filter replacement every 6-12 months, depending on water quality and usage.
How long does installation take?
Most under-sink installations are completed within 2–3 hours. Whole-house, UV and water softener systems typically take 3–4 hours. We'll give you a clear timeline with your quote.
Is chlorine in tap water safe?
Water suppliers add chlorine or chloramine to disinfect drinking water. Many people simply prefer the taste and smell without it, and a carbon filter reduces both at the tap.
Why does my tap water smell like a swimming pool?
The smell comes from the chlorine or chloramine used to disinfect the water supply. How strong it is varies by supply and home, and a carbon filter reduces it.
Does a filter jug remove chlorine?
Many jug filters reduce chlorine and improve taste, but only in small amounts and with frequent cartridge changes. An under-sink system gives you filtered water on demand from its own tap, from $1,190 installed.
Can I get chlorine out of my shower water?
Yes. A whole-house system filters chlorine and chloramine at the mains, so every shower and tap in the home gets filtered water.
Related services
More water filter guides
How Much Does Water Filter Installation Cost in Queensland? (2026 Prices)
Read the guide → Comparison GuideReverse Osmosis vs Whole-Home Filter vs UV: Which One Does Your Home Need?
Read the guide → Buyer's GuideDo You Need a Water Filter in Queensland? Here's How to Tell
Read the guide →Get your free quote
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