Water Contaminants: What Could Be in Your Water?

New Zealand has high quality water overall, but bore water, rainwater, and some town supplies can contain contaminants that affect taste, safety, and appliance life.

Sediment

Fine particles of sand, silt or rust are the most common water quality complaint. Sediment causes premature wear in pumps, valves, and appliances. The fix is a sediment filter — a 5-micron or 1-micron cartridge housing installed inline.

Iron & Manganese

Common in Waikato and rural Auckland bore water. Iron stains sinks and laundry orange; manganese causes black staining. Low levels can be addressed with an oxidising filter; higher levels require aeration or chemical treatment. Water testing is the first step.

Bacteria & Microorganisms

Rainwater and bore water are not sterile. E. coli and other bacteria can enter supplies through catchment or bore casing contamination. The most effective solution is UV sterilisation — killing bacteria and viruses without adding chemicals. UV lamps require annual replacement.

Hardness

Hard water causes limescale in hot water systems, kettles, and showers. Many NZ areas including parts of Auckland and Waikato have moderately hard water. Water softeners exchange calcium and magnesium ions for sodium, preventing scale.

Taste & Odour

Chlorine (town supply), hydrogen sulphide (rotten egg smell from bore water), and organic compounds can affect water taste and smell. Activated carbon block filters are highly effective for drinking water taste and odour.

Getting Your Water Tested

Test your water before specifying a filtration solution — particularly for bore or rainwater. Once you have results, our team can design the right treatment system. Call 0800 473 414 to discuss.