Most people in the South West of WA assume their tap water is “fine”—and technically, it is. Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River all meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. But “safe” and “healthy” aren’t always the same thing, especially once you factor in chlorine, hardness, and the ageing pipes delivering that water. That’s why more locals are installing whole-home filtration with Water Wellness – water that loves you back.
The truth about “safe” tap water
WA Water Corporation does an excellent job disinfecting and monitoring supply. The issue isn’t failure—it’s side effects.
- Chlorine: Keeps bacteria out, but leaves that pool-water smell and can dry your skin and hair.
- Hard water: South West groundwater carries plenty of calcium and magnesium. It’s not dangerous, but it clogs showerheads, marks glass, and shortens appliance life.
- Trace metals: In older plumbing, copper or lead can leach in tiny amounts.
- PFAS & microplastics: Detected in some Australian systems at ultra-low levels. Regulations lag behind the science, so many homeowners prefer to filter them out entirely.
- Fluoride: Added for dental health, but some families simply want the choice to remove it.
So while Bunbury’s water won’t make you sick, a whole-house filter can polish it into something far better—cleaner, gentler, and tastier.
Why filtration matters more in the South West
Unlike Perth’s mostly desalinated supply, the South West draws heavily from aquifers and bores. Those groundwater sources are mineral-rich, meaning extra hardness. Busselton’s water can exceed 150 mg/L CaCO₃ hardness—“moderately hard.” That’s what causes the chalky film on kettles and shower glass.
Margaret River and Augusta homes often combine rainwater tanks and mains, so sediments and organic material sneak in from roof runoff. A triple-stage filter (sediment + carbon + specialty) traps those impurities before they reach your kitchen or bathroom.
What a whole-home filter actually does
Installed at the point of entry—where water first enters your home—it treats everything: showers, laundry, kitchen, even the garden tap if you want.
Typical three-stage setup:
- Sediment filter – captures sand, rust and dirt.
- Activated carbon – removes chlorine, odours, pesticides and VOCs.
- Specialty cartridge – targets heavy metals or adds scale-reduction media.
If you pair that with an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) system for drinking water, you remove almost every dissolved contaminant, including fluoride and PFAS.
Everyday benefits you’ll notice
- Better taste – no chlorine bite in tea or coffee.
- Softer showers – reduced dryness, calmer skin, shinier hair.
- Cleaner bathrooms – less soap scum and limescale.
- Appliance protection – washing machines, kettles and hot-water systems last longer.
- Peace of mind – you know exactly what your family is drinking and bathing in.
As one Busselton customer put it after installation, “It’s like switching from tank water to spring water overnight.”
Local water snapshot
| Town | Typical Source | Hardness Range | Chlorine Level |
| Bunbury | Groundwater | 120–160 mg/L | 0.6–0.9 mg/L |
| Busselton | Groundwater + Surface | 140–180 mg/L | 0.6–0.8 mg/L |
| Margaret River | Mains + Rainwater Mix | 100–150 mg/L | 0.5–0.7 mg/L |
These numbers are within national limits, but they explain why many South West households prefer filtered water—it simply feels and tastes better.
FAQs for local homeowners
How long does installation take in Bunbury or Busselton?
Usually 2–3 hours. We mount the stainless-steel housing near your main line and connect to both hot and cold supply.
Will it reduce my water pressure?
No noticeable drop. Our systems are sized for South West flow rates (around 40 L/min or more).
Can it handle rainwater tanks in Margaret River or Augusta?
Yes—adding a UV stage ensures bacteria-free tank water blended safely with mains.
Do I still need an under-sink filter?
For the purest drinking water, yes. Whole-house filters handle bulk impurities; RO removes fluoride and dissolved solids.
The takeaway
Tap water in Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River is technically “safe,” but it isn’t perfect. A Water Wellness system turns that water into something you actually love using—every sip, every shower, every load of laundry.
If you’re ready to experience water that loves you back, book a free quote today.
Serving homes from Bunbury to Augusta, Water Wellness designs and installs custom whole-home filtration that fits your family, your plumbing, and your lifestyle.
