Chlorine is added to Perth's water supply as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, ensuring safe drinking water reaches our homes. While this chemical serves a critical public health function, many Perth residents notice its distinctive taste, smell, and potential effects on skin and hair.
This page is part of our comprehensive guide to water contaminants in Perth. For an overview of Perth's water sources and treatment process, see our guide to Perth's drinking water supply.
Understanding Chlorine in Perth's Water
Water Corporation adds chlorine to Perth's water as the final stage of the treatment process to ensure water remains safe as it travels through the distribution network:
- Free chlorine is the most common form used in Perth's northern suburbs
- Chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) is used in some areas, particularly the southern suburbs
- Chlorine levels are highest at treatment plants (up to 2.0 mg/L) and decrease as water travels through pipes
- Levels typically spike during summer months when warmer temperatures require higher dosing to maintain protection
The chlorine smell and taste is often more noticeable in areas closer to treatment plants or following maintenance work on local water mains. While chlorination is essential for preventing waterborne diseases, its sensory impact leads many Perth residents to seek filtration solutions.
Potential Risks of Chlorine in Perth's Water
While chlorine keeps our water microbiologically safe, it can present several concerns:
Health Impacts
- Dry, itchy skin and scalp, particularly after showering
- Exacerbation of existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Brittle, discoloured hair with increased dryness
- Potential respiratory irritation, especially in enclosed shower environments
- Formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) like trihalomethanes when chlorine reacts with organic matter
Home System Impacts
- Distinctive chemical taste and odour in drinking water
- Reduced lifespan of rubber seals and gaskets in appliances
- Potential damage to sensitive aquarium fish and plants
- Negative effects on the flavour of tea, coffee, and cooking water
Recommended Filtration Solutions
Best Option: Triple-Stage Whole-House System + Undersink Filtration
This comprehensive solution combines whole-house chlorine removal with point-of-use refinement. The whole-house triple-stage filtration system provides protection to every tap, shower, and garden outlet, significantly reducing chlorine, sediment, bad taste, and odour throughout your home. The additional undersink system adds a final polish to your drinking and cooking water with its 0.1 micron filter designed specifically for Perth's low sediment mains water.
Key features:
- Triple-stage filtration for whole-house protection
- Ultra-fine 0.1 micron undersink filter for drinking water
- Complete home protection from chlorine
- Specifically designed for Perth water conditions
- Minimal maintenance with extended cartridge life

Better Option: Dual-Stage Whole House System
A dual filter whole-house system provides excellent protection, reducing chlorine, sediment, bad taste and odour from your mains water. With high flow rates (60+ Lpm) and 1.5" connections, this type of system ensures minimal pressure drop while effectively removing chlorine at every tap. The result is healthier skin and hair, better tasting water, and protection for your appliances.
Key features:
- High-capacity dual filtration design
- Superior flow rates for household use
- Effective whole-house chlorine reduction
- Easy cartridge replacement
- Protection for all water-using appliances

Good Option: Undersink Drinking Water System
A quality undersink filtration system connects directly to your existing mixer tap, providing excellent chlorine removal for your drinking and cooking water. A 1-micron rated filter designed for Perth's occasional low pressure conditions effectively filters chlorine, sediment, and trihalomethanes through 3-stage filtration, delivering cleaner, better-tasting water.
Key features:
- High-capacity dual filtration design
- Superior flow rates for household use
- Effective whole-house chlorine reduction
- Easy cartridge replacement
- Protection for all water-using appliances

Concerned about chlorine in your water? Call us at (08) 9315 5545 or book a free consultation to discuss filtration solutions!
How We Can Help
As Perth's water quality specialists, our team provides expert chlorine filtration solutions:
- Comprehensive water quality assessment to measure chlorine levels in your specific location
- Professional advice on the most appropriate filtration solutions based on your needs and budget
- Expert installation of high-quality filtration systems with proper sizing to maintain adequate water pressure
- Regular maintenance services to ensure optimal filter performance and timely cartridge replacement
Our licensed plumbers understand Perth's unique water quality challenges and can recommend the ideal combination of whole-house and point-of-use filtration to address your chlorine concerns.
Better Water Without the Chlorine
While chlorine plays an essential role in keeping Perth's water supply safe from harmful microorganisms, its sensory impact and potential effects on skin and hair lead many households to seek effective filtration solutions. With the right system in place, you can enjoy the safety benefits of municipal water treatment without the taste, smell, or physical effects of chlorination.
Questions about chlorine filtration? Call us at (08) 9315 5545 or book an appointment online for personalised advice.
FAQs About Chlorine in Perth's Water
Yes, the levels of chlorine used by Water Corporation are well within Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. However, many people prefer to remove it for taste and odour reasons.
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3/52 Roberts St, Osborne Park WA 6017