Most of us grew up thinking boiled water was the safest bet. Mum would boil the kettle for your bottle, Dad would say “boil it first”, and somewhere along the way we started believing boiling water made it pure. Safe. Clean.

But here’s the thing—boiling water and filtering water don’t do the same job. At all.

One uses heat to kill off germs. The other uses physical filtration to remove contaminants. Both have their place, but when it comes to everyday drinking water, especially in Aussie homes, filtered water does a whole lot more than a boiling kettle ever could.

Let’s take a closer look at what each method actually does, what they don’t do, and when each one makes sense.

The Difference Between Boiling Water and Filtered Water

Boiling and filtering both aim to make water safer—but how they do it, and what they can (or can’t) remove, is where things really differ.

What Does Boiling Water Remove?

Boiling water is great at one thing: killing microorganisms. If your water source is biologically contaminated—think bacteria, viruses, or parasites—bringing it to a rolling boil (100°C) for at least one minute (or three if you’re above 6500 feet, but hey, that’s not a worry in Australia) can effectively neutralise those pathogens.

It’s why boiling is a common emergency measure during flood warnings or if you’re camping and the tap water looks a bit dodgy.

But—and it’s a big but—boiling doesn’t remove physical or chemical contaminants, like the following:

  • Heavy metals like lead, mercury, or arsenic

  • Chlorine and chloramine (in fact, boiling can intensify chloramine’s taste)

  • Pesticides and herbicides

  • Microplastics

  • Sediments and rust

  • Nitrates

  • Bad taste or odour

So while boiling might make your water biologically safe in an emergency, it doesn’t make it clean in the way most of us think.

What Does Filtered Water Remove?

Water filters—especially those with multi-stage filtration technology like our benchtop, jug, or under sink RO water filters—work differently. They don’t kill bacteria with heat; using our proprietary COREtech™ filter technology, they remove up to 99% of contaminants, including the following:

And if you’re using our Ultra Water Filter Bottle or our Ultra Stainless Steel Water Filter Bottle with the Nature Filter, it’s guaranteed that 98% of nasties PLUS bacteria and viruses are removed.

Here’s the best part: Earths Water filters retain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium, so you’re not just getting cleaner water, you’re getting water that’s still naturally good for you. That’s something boiling water can’t do for you.

Is Boiling Ever the Better Option?

Boiling water does have its moments—especially during emergencies. Here are a few scenarios where boiling makes more sense:

 

But these are specific situations. For daily use, boiling isn’t enough, it’s energy-intensive, and doesn’t address the most common concerns in Aussie tap water like chlorine, fluoride, microplastics, heavy metals, and more.

Filtered Water for Everyday Use

Filtered water is all about convenience, cost-efficiency, and long-term health benefits. You don’t have to wait for water to cool or remember to boil the kettle every time you want a drink. With a water filter like Earths Water, it’s just fill, filter, and pour.

Here’s what makes it a clear winner for everyday use:

1. Filters Remove More Contaminants

Unlike boiling, filters deal with both chemical and physical nasties. That includes common Australian water issues like chlorine (used in water treatment), heavy metals from ageing pipes, and even emerging concerns like microplastics.

2. You Save Time (and Energy Bills)

Boiling a kettle every time you need drinking water? That adds up. A filter gives you ready-to-drink, clean water—cold, room temp, or hot—without the wait.

Let’s do some math: an average electric kettle uses around 2,400 watts an hour. Do that five or more times a day, and the cost simply adds up.

3. Your Water Tastes and Smells Better

Filtered water doesn’t carry the metallic taste or bleachy smell that sometimes comes with tap water, especially in places with older pipes or chlorinated supply. With the right filter, water tastes crisp, clean, and dare we say it—delicious.

Earths Water Tip: If you’re a tea or coffee lover, you’ll notice the difference in every cup.

Earths Water Makes It Easy

Whether you’re after a sleek benchtop system, a no-fuss jug, or a compactwater  filter bottle for on-the-go, Earths Water has options to suit every lifestyle.

Here are a few top picks:

Water Filter Jug - Perfect for families and renters. This jug slides into your fridge and filters out chlorine, sediment, and odours without waiting for a long time.

Glass Benchtop Filter - A no-fuss, eco-friendly option that filters nasties all while keeping the good stuff intact. Plus, it looks stunning in any kitchen.

Under Sink RO Filter - For serious filtration, this water filter removes up to 99% of contaminants. Bonus? It has the most simple filter replacement system in the world—with no under sink tanks. Great for homes in hard water or high-pollution areas.

Ultra Water Filter Bottle - Designed for active days, school bags, gym trips, and commutes, this portable filter bottle lets you enjoy cleaner water wherever you are, without relying on single-use plastic

Boiled vs Filtered Water—Which One Wins?

If it’s an emergency? Boil away.

But for everyday hydration? Filtering is hands-down the better, safer, more sustainable choice.

Boiling water might make sense in a pinch or if you’re dealing with biological contamination, but it’s not a complete solution. It doesn’t remove chemicals, metals, or microplastics. It takes time, energy, and it won’t help your coffee taste better.

Filtered water, on the other hand, offers long-term peace of mind. It’s faster, smarter, and cleaner—plus, with Earths Water, you don’t lose the minerals that make water naturally beneficial.

Next time you reach for the kettle thinking it’ll clean your water, remember it’s only doing half the job. For truly clean, great-tasting water, the kind your whole household can enjoy every day, filtration is where it’s at.

So next time someone says, “just boil it,” you’ll know: 

There’s clean water, and then there’s Earths Water.