Chlorine is a chemical used by water treatment plants in New Zealand to reduce bacteria, viruses and microorganisms to ensure drinking water quality. Whilst it’s not harmful, the overwhelming scent makes water unpleasant to drink.

Limescale build up is a common occurrence affecting those living in moderate to hard water areas. Whilst this isn't harmful to our health, hard water often results in the unpleasant smell, taste and mouthfeel when drinking.

Heavy metals such as lead, can leach into water from pipes, solder, fixtures and faucets (brass) and fittings. Some pipe are fitted with lead based solder (prior to 1986).

The amount of lead in your water also depends on a number of factors including: how long the water stays in the pipes; the age of the pipes; and water acidity and its temperature.

One of the most common issues with aging pipes is corrosion (also known as rust). Usually it forms a sediment that settles on the bottom of the pipes and remains there until stirred up by repairs to the pipes or by changes in pressure. As water travels through the corroded pipes, it may also pick up rust and dirt from the pipes particularly, if there’s been repair work in the area.