What is Aluminium?

Aluminium is a soft, reactive metal that is commonly found in the earth’s crust.

While variable amounts can appear in groundwater, aluminium is more commonly used in drinking water treatment plants for its flocculant properties, particularly by municipalities.

The drinking water standards set a guideline value of 0.1mg/L, above which it will affect taste or leave deposits.

What does aluminium do?

Aluminium is generally not considered very toxic to humans, and it is often used in the canning of food. However levels above the guideline value can make water unpalatable.

More recently there have been concerns about the role of aluminium in Alzheimer’s disease, however there is not yet enough research to prove or disprove this with certainty.

How does Aluminium get into my water?

Troublesome levels of aluminium in groundwater are not common in New Zealand, but some can dissolve into groundwater in the aquifer.

More commonly small amounts are found from town supplies using aluminium based flocculants.

How can I remove aluminium from my water?

If undesirable levels are found, they can be removed with cation exchange or reverse osmosis