What’s Really in Your Tap Water? A Look at How NZ Water Is Treated
If you’re living in New Zealand, your drinking water is likely safe — but what exactly goes into making it that way?
Let’s take a look at how Auckland (and many other councils) treat their water, and why it matters for your health and your home.
Where Does Our Water Come From?
Auckland’s tap water is sourced from a mix of dams and underground springs. Depending on where it's drawn from, this water can contain:
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Metallic ions (like iron, manganese, or lead)
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Organic compounds (from decaying matter or agricultural runoff)
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Microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, protozoa)
That’s why treatment is essential — but it’s not without its complexities.
Step-by-Step: How Tap Water Is Treated
Here’s a simplified breakdown of what happens before your water reaches the tap:
🌀 1. Coagulation
Alum (aluminium sulfate) is added to clump together fine particles like dirt or silt.
🧪 2. Flocculation
Polyelectrolytes help form even larger “floc” particles that are easier to remove.
⬇️ 3. Sedimentation
These heavy particles settle at the bottom in large clarifying tanks.
🏖️ 4. Filtration
The water trickles through layers of sand to remove remaining solids.
💧 5. Disinfection & pH Adjustment
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Sodium hypochlorite (a form of chlorine) is added to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.
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Lime is added to raise the pH to around 8.0 — helping to prevent pipe corrosion.
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Fluoride is also often added (as it is in Auckland) to strengthen teeth and reduce dental decay.
So — Is Tap Water Safe?
Yes, it meets national safety standards. But that doesn’t mean it’s free of concerns. Treated water may still contain:
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Residual disinfectants like chlorine or chloramine
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Fluoride — which is still debated in wellness circles, especially for those wanting to avoid synthetic additives
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Byproducts from the treatment process (e.g. trihalomethanes, which can form when chlorine reacts with organic matter)
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Microplastics, pharmaceuticals, or pesticides that may bypass standard filtration
For many health-conscious households, these trace contaminants are enough reason to look deeper.
What You Can Do
That’s where home filtration comes in — especially systems that go beyond taste and odour and actually remove or reduce chemicals, metals, pathogens, and fluoride.
💧 At Ionza, we help households turn chemically treated water into clean, energized, and mineral-rich hydration that supports your healthspan — not just your lifespan.
Whether you’re on town supply or rural water, we’ll help you find the right system for your needs.