Mark Goldenberg Mark Goldenberg

Chlorine in Perth Water: What You Need to Know and How It Affects Your Home

When you turn on the tap in Perth, you’re getting water that’s treated, disinfected, and made safe for your household. One of the main tools used to achieve this safety is chlorine, a powerful and widely used disinfectant. While chlorine is essential for public health, many Perth residents notice its taste, smell, and effects in everyday use — especially in showers, cooking, and drinking water.

So why is chlorine used in Perth water, and what can you do if you want to reduce it in your home? Let’s break it down.

Why Chlorine Is Used in Perth’s Water Supply

Chlorine has been used for more than 100 years to keep drinking water safe. It’s effective at killing:

  • Bacteria

  • Viruses

  • Parasites

  • Harmful microorganisms that can make people sick

The Water Corporation of WA uses chlorine to ensure clean water travels safely through long pipelines. Since Perth’s water often travels from dams, groundwater bores, or desalination plants across large distances, chlorine helps maintain safety right up to your tap.

What Chlorine Does to Your Living Experience

While chlorine is great for public health, it can create some unwanted side effects in the home. Many Perth households report issues such as:

1. Strong Taste and Smell

Chlorine can leave tap water with a bleach-like taste or smell, especially when levels are temporarily increased during warmer seasons or after heavy rainfall.

2. Dry Skin and Hair

Chlorine strips natural oils from the skin and hair. Many people in Perth experience:

  • Dry, itchy skin

  • Irritation for eczema sufferers

  • Brittle or dull hair

This is particularly noticeable because Perth water is also hard, compounding the issue.

3. Effects on Pets and Houseplants

Pets often prefer water without chlorine, and some sensitive plants don’t respond well to chlorinated tap water.

4. Reaction With Organic Matter

Chlorine can react with natural organic compounds to create disinfection by-products (DBPs). While these are regulated and controlled, some families choose to minimise them by using at-home filtration.

Is Chlorine Safe in Perth Water?

Yes — the chlorine levels in Perth’s drinking water are considered safe under national guidelines. However, “safe” doesn’t always mean “pleasant” or “ideal for daily use.”

Many Perth residents choose to remove chlorine for better taste, skin comfort, and overall water quality.

How to Reduce Chlorine in Your Perth Water

If you want cleaner, better-tasting water without the chlorine smell, there are several effective options.

1. Activated Carbon Filters

The most popular way to remove chlorine is through activated carbon filtration.

Carbon filters work by adsorbing chlorine and its by-products, improving:

  • Taste

  • Smell

  • Clarity

  • Shower comfort

These can be installed as:

  • Whole house carbon filters

  • Undersink water filters

  • Fridge filters

2. Whole House Filtration Systems

A whole home system filters water at the point of entry, protecting every tap, including:

  • Showers

  • Laundry

  • Bathroom sinks

  • Kitchen taps

This is ideal for families wanting softer showers, healthier skin, and cleaner bathroom water.

3. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration

Reverse osmosis removes nearly all contaminants, including chlorine, chloramines, pesticides, heavy metals, and micro-pollutants. RO systems are usually installed under the kitchen sink for drinking and cooking water.

4. Simple Methods (Less Effective)

  • Letting water stand: Some chlorine evaporates, but it doesn’t remove chloramine if present.

  • Boiling water: Reduces chlorine but is impractical for everyday use.

These are temporary solutions, not long-term fixes.

Why Perth Is Seeing a Rise in Home Filtration Systems

Homeowners across WA are turning to filtration systems for reasons such as:

  • Better-tasting drinking water

  • Softer, more comfortable showers

  • Improved skin and hair health

  • Reduced chemical exposure for families

  • Protection for appliances and plumbing

  • Extra confidence in overall water quality

In a city with hard water and varying treatment levels, filtration offers consistent quality at home.

Final Thoughts: Cleaner Water Starts at Home

Chlorine plays a vital role in keeping Perth’s drinking water safe, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with the taste, smell, or skin irritation. With the right filtration system, you can enjoy pure, fresh, chemical-free water from every tap.

Want Better Water Without the Chlorine?

If you're ready to improve the taste, smell, and comfort of your Perth tap water, we can help. Get in touch today for expert advice, filtration recommendations, or a quote on whole house or drinking water filters designed for Perth conditions.

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