UV water treatment system on a rural Queensland property: two blue filter housings, a stainless-steel UV steriliser and copper pipework on a shed wall beside a paddock
Tank & Bore Water Guide

Tank and Bore Water in Queensland: How to Make It Great to Drink

Nobody treats your tank or bore water for you. Here is the simple setup that gives you clean, great-tasting water at every tap.

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By QLD Water Filtration Team · Published · Updated . Prices are estimates for standard installations and are confirmed in your fixed quote.

Do you need to treat tank or bore water?

If you want to drink it, cook with it and shower in it with confidence, yes. Tank, bore and rainwater are not treated by a water utility, so nobody else is looking after quality. The proven fix is pre-filtration and a UV steriliser, from $4,690 installed.

Rainwater can look beautifully clear and still carry things you cannot see. A good treatment setup gives you real peace of mind for your whole family.

What can end up in tank and bore water?

Tank water can pick up leaves, sediment, bird and possum droppings and the micro-organisms that come with them. Bore water often carries a lot of minerals, which shows up as hard-water scale. Different problems, but both are fixable.

  • Sediment and debris washed in from the roof and gutters
  • Micro-organisms from droppings and the environment
  • Minerals and hard-water scale, especially in bore water
  • A flat or off taste compared with fresh filtered water

The proven setup: pre-filtration plus UV

Pre-filtration catches sediment and debris first, because UV light only works properly on clear water. Then a UV steriliser neutralises bacteria and other micro-organisms using light, with no chemicals added. It is simple, effective and low maintenance.

Tank and bore water problems and what fixes them
The problemThe fixLearn more
Sediment and debrisDual-stage sediment and carbon pre-filtrationWhole-home UV system
Micro-organisms (bacteria and more)A commercial-grade UV steriliser with an alarmUV water treatment
Hard water and scale (common with bore water)A salt-based water softenerWater softener installation
The finest drinking waterReverse osmosis at the kitchen tapReverse osmosis systems

On tank or bore water?

Book a free on-site water test. We check your supply and plumbing and recommend the right pre-filtration and UV setup for your property.

How UV treatment works, in plain English

Water passes through a stainless chamber where a UV lamp neutralises bacteria and other micro-organisms with light. There are no chemicals, nothing is added to your water, and an alarm tells you if the lamp needs attention.

  • Pre-filters keep the water clear so the UV can do its job
  • The UV lamp does the treating, with no chemicals added
  • An alarm lets you know the system needs attention
  • It needs a power point nearby and a new lamp about once a year

UV water treatment, from $4,690 →

Bore water: it is usually about the minerals

Bore water is often very high in minerals, so scale is the first thing people notice. A water softener fixes the hardness for the whole house, and many bore supplies benefit from pre-filtration and UV as well.

Hard water in South East Queensland →

Simple habits that keep your tank water in great shape

Keep your roof, gutters and tank screens clean, and your treatment system maintained. A little regular care makes a real difference to your water, and to how long your equipment lasts.

  • Keep gutters clear, and use leaf guards on downpipes
  • Check the screens on your tank openings and keep them in good condition
  • A first flush diverter helps keep the first dirty runoff out of your tank
  • Replace pre-filters every 6 to 12 months and the UV lamp about once a year
  • Test your water so you always know where you stand

How often to change your water filter →

How much does tank and bore water treatment cost?

Whole-home UV starts from $4,690 fully installed, a water softener from $5,490 and whole-home filtration from $3,490. Every quote is fixed and no-obligation, installation comes with a 12-month workmanship warranty, and finance is available.

A new power point may be needed for UV and softener systems, and we spot that during your free visit and put it in your fixed quote. The VIP Filter Care Club, from $299 a year, takes care of filter changes so you never have to remember.

Water filter installation cost in Queensland →

The easy way to find out what your supply needs

Book a free on-site water test. We test your water at your property, check your plumbing and recommend the right setup, with a fixed-price quote and no obligation.

Free water quality testing →

Common questions

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 there a warranty on installations?

Yes! All installations come with a 12-month workmanship warranty. Manufacturer warranties on systems range from 1–10 years depending on the model.

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.

Do I need to filter rainwater from my tank?

If you want to drink and cook with it with confidence, yes. Rainwater can look clear and still carry micro-organisms from the roof and environment, and no utility treats it for you. A pre-filter plus a UV steriliser is the proven setup.

Does UV remove chemicals from tank water?

No. UV neutralises bacteria and other micro-organisms but does not remove chemicals. If chemicals are a concern, we can add other treatment, and a free on-site test shows what your supply needs.

Do I need a pre-filter before a UV system?

Yes. UV light only works properly on clear water, so sediment and debris need to be removed first. Our UV systems come with dual-stage sediment and carbon pre-filtration.

How often does a UV lamp need replacing?

About once a year. Our systems include an alarm so you know when the lamp needs attention, and the VIP Filter Care Club looks after it for you.

How much does UV treatment cost for a tank?

Whole-home UV systems start from $4,690 fully installed by a licensed plumber, with a fixed, no-obligation quote and finance available.

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