Fluoride is added to drinking water supplies across Australia as a public health measure to help reduce tooth decay. While health authorities support its use, some Australians prefer to remove fluoride from their tap water.
However, unlike chlorine and sediments, fluoride is very difficult to remove with conventional water filters. Dissolved fluoride will slip through even premium 1-0.5 micron water filters, and its particles are stable enough to remain in water after boiling.
Reducing fluoride from your home’s water supply is difficult, but not impossible. There are several effective filtration methods available, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. In this guide, we’ll explore how to get fluoride out of water, the most reliable filtration options, and what to consider when choosing the right system for your home.
Why Do People Want to Remove Fluoride?
While fluoride has been added to Australian drinking water for decades, some people prefer to minimise their exposure. Their reasons may include:
- Personal Choice: Some individuals prefer to control what’s in their drinking water and opt for filtration to remove certain additives.
- Health Considerations: Studies have linked higher levels of fluoride exposure to multiple health issues, from skeletal fluorosis to neurological damage. While regulations are in place to keep Australia’s fluoride levels within recommended limits, some people prefer to avoid the risk altogether.
- Taste Preferences: Fluoride itself is tasteless, but the kinds of thorough filtration that can reduce fluoride also remove chemicals and impurities that impact the taste and smell of tap water.
- Water Use for Infants: Some parents prefer to use fluoride-free water when preparing infant formula, minimising their child’s exposure to unwanted chemicals and impurities.
Whatever your reason, if you’re looking to remove fluoride from your tap water, there are several reliable solutions available.
How to Get Fluoride Out of Water: The Most Effective Methods
Not all water filters are capable of removing fluoride, so it’s essential to choose the right technology. Here are the most effective options:
1. Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Effectiveness: 5/5 (Highly effective)
Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most reliable ways to remove fluoride from water. This method uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out impurities like fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities.
Pros:
- Reliably removes 87-92% of fluoride
- Also filters out other unwanted substances, improving overall water quality
- Provides clean, great-tasting water
- High-quality systems often come with a remineraliser to restore trace amounts of the healthy minerals stripped out by purification
Cons:
- Requires professional installation and servicing to avoid damaging the membrane
- Wastes some water in the filtration process
- Slow purification, not suitable for large quantities of water or whole-home systems
Reverse osmosis systems are ideal for Australian households that want a premium solution for complete confidence in the quality of their drinking water.
2. Activated Alumina Filters
Effectiveness: 4/5 (Effective)
Activated alumina is a filtration medium that effectively absorbs fluoride from water. It is commonly used in large-scale water treatment facilities and can be found in some home filtration systems.
Pros:
- Can remove up to 90% of fluoride
- A more affordable alternative to reverse osmosis
- Does not require electricity
Cons:
- Filters need to be replaced frequently
- Alkaline or high-TDS water limits the effectiveness of the medium for fluoride removal, making it less suitable in several regions around Australia
Activated alumina filters can be a great option for households looking for a dedicated fluoride removal solution without the complexity of reverse osmosis.
3. Distillation
Effectiveness: 5/5 (Highly effective)
Water distillation is a process where water is boiled, and the steam is collected and condensed into a separate container, leaving fluoride and other impurities behind.
Pros:
- Removes nearly 100% of fluoride and other impurities
- Simple and effective
- Can produce drinkable water from seawater or non-potable
Cons:
- Very slow process, taking hours to produce a small amount of water
- Requires electricity to operate
- Strips water of beneficial minerals and lowers its pH
Distillation is ideal for those who only need small amounts of fluoride-free water for drinking, cooking, or preparing medications/solutions that need to be free of impurities. It is also possible to buy distilled water directly.
4. Bone Char Carbon Filters
Effectiveness: 3/5 (Moderately effective)
Bone char is a type of activated carbon made from animal bones, popularised in the 1940s-60s for removing fluoride from drinking water.
Pros:
- Can remove more than 95% of fluoride
- Also removes heavy metals
- More environmentally friendly than some other options
Cons:
- Less commonly available
- Needs frequent replacement to maintain effectiveness
Bone char filters can be an option for those looking for a natural filtration solution but may not be as effective as reverse osmosis or distillation.
Choosing the Best Fluoride Removal System for Your Home
When deciding on a fluoride filtration system, consider the following factors:
- Effectiveness: How much fluoride removal do you need?
- Convenience: Do you prefer an under-sink unit, a countertop option, or a portable solution?
- Cost: What’s your budget for installation and ongoing maintenance?
- Water Usage: If you need large quantities of fluoride-free water, reverse osmosis or distillation may be better than other options.
Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Water Quality
While fluoride remains a part of Australia’s drinking water in many urban areas, those who prefer to reduce their intake have several effective filtration options. Whether you choose reverse osmosis, activated alumina, distillation, or bone char filters, the key is selecting a system that meets your household’s needs.
At Complete Home Filtration, we specialise in advanced water filtration systems tailored for Australian homes. If you’re looking for a reliable way to remove fluoride and other unwanted contaminants, our expert team can help you find the best solution.
For more information, contact us today and discover how easy it is to customise your home’s water supply to suit your preferences.
