The Ultimate Guide to 3-Way Filter Taps in Australia: Why Filtered Water Matters for Drinking and Cooking

In Australian homes, where water quality can vary significantly, ensuring access to clean, safe water is a priority. Enter the 3-way filter tap—a game-changer in kitchen design that combines convenience, style, and functionality. These innovative taps deliver hot, cold, and filtered water from a single fixture, eliminating the need for ugly separate filtered taps on the side of a sink or bottled water. This article explores the benefits of 3-way filter kitchen taps, their flexibility in being able to choose various filters, and why filtered water is essential for both drinking and cooking in Australia.

What is a 3-Way Filter Tap?

A 3-way filter tap, also known as a tri-flow or 3-in-1 kitchen tap, is a versatile fixture that provides hot, cold, and filtered water through a single spout. Unlike traditional taps, these systems integrate an under-sink filtration unit, allowing you to switch between unfiltered water for washing and filtered water for drinking or cooking with a simple flick of a lever.

Typically, they feature:

• Three water inlets: Hot, cold, and filtered water, connected to an under-sink filter system.
• Dual or triple levers: Separate controls for hot/cold and filtered water to prevent cross-contamination.
• Dual-chamber spout: Ensures filtered water remains pure by keeping it separate from unfiltered water.

This all-in-one design saves bench space, reduces clutter, and enhances kitchen aesthetics while providing instant access to purified water.

Why Filtered Water is Crucial in Australia

Australia’s tap water is generally safe, meeting strict health standards, but regional variations and aging infrastructure can introduce impurities like chlorine, heavy metals, and pesticides. Recent concerns, such as PFAS contamination in some water supplies, have heightened awareness about water quality. Filtered water isn’t just a luxury—it’s a practical necessity for health-conscious households, especially for drinking and cooking. Here’s why:

1. Healthier Drinking Water

Unfiltered tap water may contain trace amounts of chlorine, fluoride, lead, or other contaminants that affect taste and, in some cases, health. For vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, or the elderly, these impurities can pose risks over time, including developmental issues or organ damage. Filtered water removes these contaminants, providing cleaner, safer drinking water

2. Better Cooking Results

Cooking with filtered water can transform your culinary experience. Impurities like chlorine or heavy metals can subtly alter the flavor of food, whether you’re boiling pasta, making soups, or brewing coffee. Filtered water ensures purer, cleaner-tasting ingredients, enhancing the natural flavors of your dishes. For example, using filtered water for rice or steaming vegetables can make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.

3. Protection Against Contaminants

In some Australian regions, water sourced from tanks or reservoirs may contain debris, bacteria, or agricultural runoff. Heavy metals from old pipes or industrial pollutants can also leach into the water supply. Advanced filtration systems paired with 3-way taps, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters, remove up to 99% of contaminants, including lead, pesticides, and microplastics, ensuring safer water for your family.

4. Environmental and Cost Benefits

Relying on bottled water is expensive and environmentally harmful, with plastic bottles taking up to 300 years to biodegrade. A 3-way filter tap eliminates the need for bottled water, reducing plastic waste and saving you money in the long run. Plus, many systems are energy-efficient, requiring no electricity, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.

The Benefits of 3-Way Filter Taps

3-way filter taps are more than just a convenient kitchen upgrade—they offer a range of practical and aesthetic advantages:

1. Space-Saving Design

By combining hot, cold, and filtered water into one tap, 3-way systems eliminate the need for a separate filtered water tap, keeping your kitchen bench clutter-free. This sleek design is perfect for minimalist or modern kitchens.

2. Customizable Filtration

One of the standout features of 3-way filter taps is their compatibility with various filtration systems. Whether you prefer activated carbon for chlorine removal, reverse osmosis for comprehensive contaminant elimination, or UV sterilization for bacteria, you can choose a filter that suits your needs. Brands like Puretec and Zip offer systems that work seamlessly with 3-way taps, allowing you to tailor filtration to your water quality concerns.

3. Easy Installation and Maintenance

Most 3-way taps are designed for straightforward installation, often requiring just one hole in your sink. Many are DIY-friendly, though professional installation ensures optimal performance. Maintenance is minimal, typically involving periodic filter replacements to maintain water purity.

4. Stylish and Versatile Designs

Available in finishes like brushed bronze, brushed nickel or Gun Mental 3-way taps complement any kitchen aesthetic, from contemporary to traditional. 

5. Eco-Friendly and Economical

With filtered water on demand, you’ll reduce reliance on bottled water, lowering your environmental footprint and saving on costs. Additionally, 3-way taps help conserve water by allowing precise temperature control, reducing waste while adjusting for the perfect temperature.

Choosing the Right Filter for Your 3-Way Tap

The flexibility to choose your filtration system is a key advantage of 3-way filter taps. Here are the main types of filters and their benefits:

• Activated Carbon Filters: Affordable and effective at removing chlorine, odors, and organic compounds. Ideal for improving taste and smell.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters: Removes up to 99% of contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, and bacteria. Best for areas with high contamination risks, though they may require more maintenance
• UV Sterilization: Kills bacteria and viruses, perfect for areas with biological contamination concerns. Often used alongside other filters.
• Ceramic Filters: Effective for removing sediment and bacteria but less so for chemical contaminants. Often paired with carbon filters for comprehensive filtration.

When selecting a filter, consider your local water quality and specific concerns. For example, if heavy metals are an issue, opt for a reverse osmosis system. Check that your 3-way tap is compatible with your chosen filter brand to ensure seamless integration.

Considerations When Choosing a 3-Way Filter Tap

While 3-way filter taps are highly beneficial, here are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Compatibility: Ensure the tap works with your preferred filter brand to avoid future upgrade issues.
• Cost: Premium models with advanced filtration or luxury finishes can range from $700 to $2,000, though at 2Magpies we have the Cora Three way filter staring from $299. The long-term savings from reduced bottled water use often justify the investment.
• Ease of Use: Some users, like young children or the elderly, may find multiple levers confusing. Opt for a model with clear, intuitive controls.
• Maintenance: Regular filter changes are necessary to maintain water quality, so factor in the cost and availability of replacement cartridges.

Popular Brands in Australia

Several brands offer high-quality 3-way filter taps tailored to Australian homes:

• 2Magpies: Cora tap is available in 3 colours, Brushed Nickel, Gun Metal and Brushed Nickel and comes with a stunning knurled handle for both the filtered water and hot/cold mixer.
  • 2Magpies Cora 3 Way Filter Mixer Tap