If you live anywhere between Bunbury and Augusta, you’ve probably noticed your water tastes different depending on the suburb. Maybe Busselton’s tap water has a hint of chlorine, while Margaret River’s is softer thanks to rain-tank blends. So when it comes to filtration, should you invest in a whole-home system, an under-sink reverse osmosis (RO) unit, or both?
At Water Wellness – water that loves you back, we get this question every week. Let’s break it down clearly so you can choose the system that actually fits your household.
The Big Difference: Whole-House vs Under-Sink RO
Whole-house filters (Point-of-Entry systems)
- Treat every drop entering your home.
- Remove chlorine, sediment, rust, and common chemicals.
- Improve taste, smell, and skin feel for bathing and washing.
- Usually a triple-stage setup (sediment → carbon → specialty media).
Under-sink RO (Point-of-Use systems)
- Filter water at a single tap (usually the kitchen).
- Push water through a fine semi-permeable membrane.
- Remove fluoride, dissolved salts, nitrates, heavy metals and PFAS.
- Produce ultra-pure drinking water — ideal for coffee, baby formula, or health-focused households.
Think of it like this:
➡ Whole-house = comfort + convenience (shower and appliance benefits).
➡ RO = purity and taste (what goes in your body).
When a Whole-House Filter Is the Best Choice
If your main complaints are chlorine smell, dry skin, soap scum, or scale on taps, start here.
In the South West, groundwater sources around Busselton and Bunbury have moderate hardness (120-180 mg/L) and noticeable chlorine levels.
A well-sized whole-home system:
- Makes showers gentler — no more post-shower itch.
- Keeps appliances cleaner — kettles, dishwashers and washing machines last longer.
- Reduces bathroom cleaning time — less limescale on glass and chrome.
- Gives every tap the same improvement – even outdoor and laundry.
For most families, this is the comfort baseline. Add RO later if you want ultra-pure drinking water.
When an RO System Shines
If your priority is the water you consume, RO is unbeatable. It removes fluoride (which whole-house systems don’t), cuts dissolved solids, and strips out the microscopic contaminants regulators don’t yet control.
Perfect for:
- Health-conscious households wanting near-zero TDS drinking water.
- Rain-tank homes mixing with mains supply — removes any microbial residue or dissolved metals.
- Coffee lovers and home chefs chasing that pure taste baseline.
An RO unit can drop TDS from ~250 ppm to < 20 ppm — that’s roughly the difference between tap water and bottled spring water.
Should You Get Both?
Many South West homeowners eventually do.
The combo approach:
- Whole-house filter handles bulk contaminants (chlorine, sediment, chemicals).
- RO handles drinking water only (fluoride, PFAS, TDS).
This gives you:
- Chlorine-free showers + softer skin.
- Protected appliances and pipes.
- Bottle-quality water from one dedicated tap.
It’s the sweet spot for households that want both comfort and purity without wasting water or over-filtering every litre.
Typical Setup in the South West
| Location | Typical Water Source | Recommended System |
| Bunbury & Eaton | Groundwater (chlorinated, moderately hard) | 3-stage whole-house + optional RO for drinking |
| Busselton & Vasse | Bore blend (hard water) | Whole-house filter + scale reduction cartridge |
| Dunsborough & Yallingup | Mains / Tank mix | Whole-house filter + UV + RO |
| Margaret River & Augusta | Rainwater / Tank | Whole-house filter with UV or RO only |
FAQs for Local Homeowners
Does an RO waste a lot of water?
New systems are efficient — expect roughly 1–2 litres of waste per litre filtered, and that drain water can be rerouted to gardens.
Can I install both at once?
Yes. We often install the whole-house unit first and add RO under the sink later once you taste the difference.
Will RO remove good minerals?
Yes — but they’re minimal and can be re-added with a reminalising post-filter if you prefer a balanced taste.
How long do filters last?
Whole-house cartridges: ≈ 12 months. RO membrane: 2–3 years with annual prefilter changes.
The Takeaway
If you’re after chlorine-free showers and cleaner appliances, start with a whole-home system.
If you’re chasing ultra-pure drinking water, RO is the winner.
And if you want the best of both worlds — comfort throughout your home and crystal-clear water in your cup — combine the two.
At Water Wellness, we design hybrid systems for homes across Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Margaret River and Augusta, so you can enjoy water that truly loves you back.
Book a free consultation today to see which setup fits your home and budget.
