Why having a Water Filtration system is so important

Experience the cleanest water
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Water safety concerns

Across New Zealand, many communities are facing increasing contamination in their drinking water, with nitrates, microbes, and other pollutants posing potential health risks. Studies show that even levels previously considered safe may be linked to long-term health issues, including cancer and complications during pregnancy. A reliable water filtration system provides an effective way for households to reduce harmful contaminants, improve water quality, and protect the health and wellbeing of their families — no matter where in the country you live.

Canterbury’s Water Quality Is Under Pressure

Canterbury’s drinking water is facing increasing challenges — and many residents are beginning to take notice. In 2025, Environment Canterbury (ECan) declared a regional “Nitrate Emergency,” confirming that groundwater contamination has reached concerning levels.

Recent studies show that 10% of Canterbury wells now exceed the maximum acceptable nitrate level for drinking water, and over 60% of long-term groundwater sites are trending upward in nitrate contamination. This means that for many households, the water coming out of the tap may no longer be as pure or safe as it once was.

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What’s Causing the Problem?

The primary source of nitrate contamination in Canterbury’s groundwater is intensive dairy farming, which has grown dramatically over the past few decades. As dairy herds and fertiliser use have increased, so too has the amount of nitrate leaching into the soil and water table. Other contributors include septic tanks, land use changes, and localised pollution — but across the region, dairy intensification remains the main driver. Once nitrates reach the groundwater, they can remain there for years, even decades.

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What Are the Health Risks?

The current national drinking water standard allows for nitrate levels up to 11.3 mg/L. However, new research from the University of Canterbury and the University of Otago indicates that health risks may occur well below this level.
Emerging studies have linked nitrate-contaminated drinking water to:

Why Filtration Matters

While regional councils and central government continue to debate long-term solutions, households are left to protect themselves now. Installing a reliable water filtration system is one of the most effective and immediate ways to reduce nitrate and other contaminants from your tap water.

A quality filtration system can:

Remove or significantly reduce nitrates, chlorine, and heavy metals


Improve the taste, clarity, and odour of your water


Protect your family’s long-term health and wellbeing


Provide peace of mind knowing what’s not in your glass

E. coli

in water is a sign of fecal contamination, meaning the water may contain harmful microorganisms from animal or human waste

Sodium Hypochlorite

a chemical compound known as household bleach, used as a disinfectant, sanitizing agent, and stain remover for various applications, including cleaning toilets, removing mold, and treating swimming pools

Chlorine 

Chlorine disinfects tap water by killing bacteria and viruses, making it safe to drink. However, it can cause an unpleasant taste and smell. Standard chlorine levels are considered safe, with minimal impact on home filtration systems.

Fluoride

Long-term excessive fluoride intake, especially from groundwater, can cause dental fluorosis, weakening and discoloring teeth. It may also lead to skeletal fluorosis, making bones brittle and joints stiff. Very high exposure can affect the thyroid or cause nausea and vomiting in severe cases.