Aquala’s under-sink RO system is a multi-stage water filtration unit that purifies tap water by removing contaminants at the molecular level.

It uses a 6-stage filtration process with 3 cartridges: a combined sediment+carbon pre-filter, a reverse osmosis membrane, and an alkaline carbon remineralizer​.

The RO membrane eliminates up to 99% of impurities – including harmful chemicals, heavy metals, salts, and more​ – producing clean, safe drinking water.

In the final stage, the system adds back healthy minerals including Magnisum, Calsium, potassium & sodium and raises the pH to ~7.5, so the output water is not only pure but also mineral-rich and mildly alkaline​.

The result is fresh-tasting water that is free of chlorine, fluoride, lead, “forever chemicals” (PFAS/PFOS), and other unwanted substances, giving you peace of mind with every sip.

Aquala’s P500 offers several advantages over ordinary filters and older RO systems:

Tankless, High-Flow Design: It filters water on demand without a storage tank.

This saves about 50% of under-sink space and prevents the bacterial growth that can occur in stagnant tank water​.

Despite being tankless, it delivers a strong flow (up to 500 gallons per day), so you get instant purified water with no waiting​.

Superior Contaminant Removal: The multi-stage RO filtration removes 99% of toxins commonly found in Australian tap water – including chlorine (for better taste and smell), fluoride, lead, nitrates, arsenic, and PFAS/PFOA​.

This dramatically improves water safety and taste by targeting both aesthetic issues and health-threatening contaminants.

Alkaline Remineralization: Unlike traditional RO systems that can leave water bland, the Aquala P500’s final filter restores calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other beneficial minerals to the water, balancing the pH to a healthy ~7.5​.

You get the best of both worlds – highly purified water that’s also crisp and mineral-rich, not flat.

Smart Real-Time Monitoring: The unit features a built-in TDS display and filter life indicators on its front panel.

You can see the water’s Total Dissolved Solids level in real time and get alerts when it’s time to change filters​.

These smart filter alerts mean you’ll never have to guess or remember schedules – the system will notify you when maintenance is due.

Certified & Safe: Aquala P500 is the first and only tankless RO system in Australia with WaterMark certification​.

This certification is your assurance that the product meets stringent Australian plumbing standards for safety and quality.

The unit is built with food-grade BPA FREE components and an Australian-standard power adapter, so it’s fully compliant for use in Australian homes.

Additional Features: An electric leak detector is integrated into the base – it will automatically shut off water flow if it ever senses a leak, providing peace of mind against cabinet damage.

The design also includes an option for a UV sterilizer (for additional disinfection) and pairs perfectly with Aquala’s 3-way tap or a dedicated faucet for dispensing (more on that below).

In short, the Aquala P500 delivers pure, great-tasting water conveniently from your tap, with a space-saving design and smart features that make it one of the most advanced under-sink filtration systems in Australia​

The Aquala P500 is designed for simple DIY installation​.

Most users find it straightforward to set up in under 30 minutes with basic tools​.

The package includes everything you need: the filter unit, tubing, fittings (including a ½” compression tee to tap into your cold water line), and your choice of faucet (either a dedicated secondary filtered water faucet or adapters for a 3-way tap)​.

Clear step-by-step instructions are provided, and Aquala also offers an easy-to-follow video installation guide​.

No special skills are required – if you’re comfortable with minor handyman tasks, you can handle it. That said, you can opt to have a licensed plumber or handyman install it if you prefer​.

(Professional installation is not included with purchase, as Aquala does not provide in-home installation services directly.)

The unit requires a standard power outlet nearby to plug in its 24V DC adapter (it uses about 60W of power, similar to a small appliance)​.

Also, if you’re adding a new dedicated faucet for the filtered water, you’ll need a 28mm hole in your sink or countertop​ – many sinks have an existing knock-out hole or soap dispenser that can be used. Overall, customers consistently report that installation is a breeze​.

And if you have any questions during setup, Aquala’s support team is just a phone call or email away to help.

You will need a way to dispense the filtered water separate from your regular hot/cold tap water. There are two convenient options:

Use a 3-Way Mixer Tap: Aquala’s system is fully compatible with standard 3-way kitchen mixer taps (sometimes called tri-flow taps) that have a third channel for filtered water.

In fact, the P500 is often sold in a bundle with Aquala’s own 3-Way Mixer taps that come in various finishes.

If you already have a 3-way tap installed, you can connect the P500’s output to it directly – the kit includes all the necessary 1/4″ tubing and connectors to attach to the filtered water inlet of your.

(Be sure to connect to the “Purified Water” outlet on the unit, rather than the 'filtered line, as labelled if you have a 3 way tap.) Using a 3-way tap means no extra faucet hole is needed; your existing mixer will dispense RO water on demand alongside normal hot and cold.

Dedicated Dual-Function Faucet (Included as Standard):

If you don’t have a 3-way mixer tap, Aquala’s P500 system includes a sleek, dedicated dual-function faucet as standard. This faucet features two separate water outputs:

Filtered: Ideal for general purposes like rinsing dishes or washing hands, this water has been through the first filtration stage (sediment and carbon), reducing chlorine, sediment, and basic impurities, providing cleaner water for everyday use.

Purified: Fully purified water passing through all filtration stages, including the reverse osmosis membrane and remineralization stage, ideal for drinking, cooking, and preparing beverages.

Installation & Compatibility

Installation is straightforward—simply drill a 28mm hole (if one isn't already available) in your sink or countertop and secure the faucet with the provided mounting hardware. This process is similar to installing a soap dispenser.

If you already have an existing single filtered-water tap and prefer to use it solely for purified water, you can simply leave the secondary "filtered" outlet closed. The faucet will still function seamlessly, providing the purified water output only.

Yes – the Aquala P500 is fully compliant with Australian plumbing and safety standards. It is the first and only tankless RO alkaline filter in Australia to carry the official WaterMark certification​s, which means it has been tested and approved according to AS/NZS plumbing product standards.

The Aquala P500 uses three main filter cartridges, and each has its own replacement schedule to keep your water at peak quality​

1. PPC Cartridge (Sediment/Carbon Prefilter): Replace every 6 months. This first stage filter catches rust, sediment, sand, and chlorine, protecting the RO membrane. Changing it semi-annually ensures it continues to block dirt and chlorine effectively.
2. T33 Cartridge (Alkaline Post-filter): Replace every 12 months (1 year). This carbon post-filter polishes the taste and adds minerals such as: Calcium, Magnesium Potassium & Sodium while raising the PH Level making the water alkaline. annual replacement keeps your water tasting fresh and maintains the alkaline mineral balance​.
3. RO Membrane: Replace approximately every 24 months (2 years). The RO membrane does the heavy lifting by removing dissolved solids (TDS) like fluoride, nitrates, lead, etc. It has a long lifespan and only needs changing roughly every two years under normal us

These intervals can vary a bit based on your local water quality and usage. The system’s built-in smart filter indicators will notify you when each filter is due for replacement, so you don’t have to strictly track the months​.

Replacing the filters is designed to be very easy – the P500 uses a quick-twist mechanism, and each filter can be swapped out in about 3 seconds without any special tools​. Regular filter changes ensure your Aquala continues to deliver 99% contaminant removal and great-tasting water.

The Aquala P500 makes filter maintenance simple.

On the front digital display, there are indicator lights for each filter (PPC, RO, T33) that will change color or blink when that filter’s lifespan is nearing its end. In addition, the system monitors water quality in real time – the TDS meter on the unit displays the current Total Dissolved Solids level of your filtered water, which is a good indication of filter performance​​.

If you see the TDS reading start to rise from its usual very low value, it could suggest the RO membrane is due for replacement soon. But even without watching for that, the “Smart Filter Alert” system will proactively remind you​.

For example, after ~6 months of use, the PPC indicator will signal that it’s time for a new pre-filter. Likewise at ~12 and 24 months for the other stages.

Replacement cartridges for the P500 are readily available from Aquala. You can purchase them directly through Aquala’s or MDC Waters website under the “Replacement Cartridges” section​.

The filters are sold individually (PPC, T33, RO) or in discounted bundles (e.g. a 1-year combo pack) for convenience​. Aquala also offers a subscription/recurring purchase option at checkout, so you can have new filters shipped automatically at the appropriate intervals, ensuring you never run out​.

Very little. Aside from filter replacements, there is no extensive maintenance needed for the Aquala P500. Because it’s tankless, you don’t have to worry about cleaning or sanitizing a storage tank (a task required in traditional RO units to prevent slime or bacteria). The tubing and internal pump are self-contained and only carry water through as needed. The system even includes an automatic flush cycle for the RO membrane, which helps keep the membrane clean and prolong its life (this happens in the background when the system is operating).

One safety feature to be aware of is the leak detector: if the unit ever shuts off due to a detected leak (it will stop dispensing and alert you), you should inspect the unit and connections for any drips. In the unlikely event of a leak, dry any water and resolve the issue (or contact support) before resetting the leak detector. This isn’t “maintenance”, but rather a safeguard.

quala’s reverse osmosis system targets a broad spectrum of contaminants. Yes – it removes chlorine and fluoride, along with many other impurities. In fact, the RO membrane is rated to remove around 99% of dissolved solids and chemicals, drastically reducing substances that affect health, taste, and odor​. Here are some of the key contaminants it filters out:

• Chlorine: The pre-carbon filter and RO membrane together strip out chlorine and chloramine. This means no more chlorine taste or smell in your drinking water. Your water will taste noticeably cleaner and you won’t have that swimming-pool scent in your glass.
• Fluoride: The system is very effective at removing added fluoride. Many Australian cities fluoridate water, and while this is intended for dental health, some people prefer to minimize fluoride intake. Aquala’s RO membrane removes the vast majority of fluoride ions​.
• Heavy Metals: Harmful metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, copper, and chromium are stripped out. Lead, in particular, can leach from old pipes and plumbing fixtures – Aquala will remove lead down to undetectable levels (lead is a dangerous neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure)​.
• “Forever Chemicals” (PFAS/PFOS): These are the emerging contaminants making news for polluting water supplies. The P500 is designed to remove PFAS, PFOA, PFOS and similar industrial chemicals that may be present in tap water.
• Other Chemicals and Organics: Pesticides, herbicides, nitrates, industrial solvents, and disinfection by-products are largely removed by the RO process. The carbon stages also capture many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be present in trace amounts.
• Sediment and Particulates: Rust flakes, sand, dirt, microplastics, and any other suspended solids are filtered by the sediment pre-filter and RO membrane (which has a pore size of 0.0001 micron)​.
• Bacteria and Cysts: While municipal water is treated for bacteria, any that do get through (or grow in pipes) would be too large to pass the RO membrane. The membrane provides a barrier to microorganisms like bacteria, cysts, and parasites. (If you opted for the UV addition, that adds another layer of disinfection, though it’s typically not necessary for city water.).

(Note: The system is intended for use on microbiologically safe water (i.e., city supply) – it’s not designed to convert unsafe well water into potable water without additional disinfection. But for typical Australian tap water, it covers all the bases of purification.)

Yes, the Aquala P500 has an alkaline remineralization stage to ensure the water isn’t overly “flat” or acidic. Pure RO water (with no minerals) can be very slightly acidic and some people find the taste to be too bland. To address this, Aquala’s third cartridge (the T33 filter) contains mineral media that dissolves back a small amount of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium into the water, raising its pH to around 7.5​.

That means the water coming out of your faucet is mildly alkaline and mineral-balanced – similar to high-quality spring water.

The benefit of this is two-fold:

• The added minerals enhance the flavor profile of the water, making it taste more refreshing. Water with zero minerals can taste neutral or even slightly bitter to some; the Aquala’s output, however, has that crisp, clean taste that people associate with healthy drinking water.
  
• While the majority of your minerals come from food, having some minerals in water is generally considered beneficial. Minerals like calcium and magnesium in water are highly bioavailable. The Aquala ensures you’re not missing out on those by reintroducing a safe, balanced amount. Also, the alkaline nature can help neutralize acidity – though the effect is mild, some proponents of alkaline water prefer this for general wellness.
  

Australian tap water is generally treated to be microbiologically safe and to meet national standards – it’s among the safer municipal water supplies in the world. However, “safe” doesn’t necessarily mean “pure” or ideal for consumption. There are several reasons Australians choose to use an additional filter like Aquala’s RO system:

• To maintain safety through the distribution network, water utilities add chemicals like chlorine and chloramine. These effectively kill bacteria but can make the water taste and smell unpleasant. They can also irritate skin for sensitive individuals​.
  
• Australia mandates fluoridation in many areas. While it’s there for dental health policy, some consumers are uncomfortable ingesting fluoride or have health concerns about cumulative exposure. An RO system allows you to opt-out of fluoride by removing ~99% of it, which isn’t possible with standard carbon filters.
  
• Water that leaves the treatment plant meets guidelines, but by the time it comes out of your tap it can pick up impurities. Metals from pipes (like lead, copper, or rust from iron pipes) can leach into water – especially in older homes or those with older plumbing. There is no safe level of lead. A filter adds that extra layer of protection.
  
• Substances like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are not yet regulated to strict levels in drinking water. These are industrial chemicals that have been found in water supplies and can pose health risks. Australian utilities are starting to monitor them, but an RO system can proactively remove these emerging.
  

Even if you have no specific concern about health contaminants, there’s a strong argument for filtration purely for aesthetic reasons. Filtered water simply tastes better. This often leads to drinking more water and less sugary drinks – a positive for health.

Tankless RO systems like the Aquala P500 are a newer innovation compared to old-school RO units that use large storage tanks. There are several key differences and advantages:

• The absence of a bulky tank means you free up a lot of cabinet space. Aquala’s unit is slim and can even be laid flat if needed, so it fits in tight spaces. Traditional RO tanks can take up about half the under-sink cupboard; by contrast, the P500’s compact form saves significant space (up to 50% more free space)​ for your cleaning supplies, etc.
  
• In a tankless system, water is filtered as you need it. This means you’re always getting fresh water that hasn’t been sitting stored. Traditional systems filter water slowly and store it in a tank, where it could sit for extended periods. That stored water can develop staleness or even bacterial growth if not used promptly. Tankless design eliminates stagnant water.
  
• The Aquala P500 has a built-in pump and high-capacity membrane that can produce water quickly – it delivers about 1.3 liters per minute of purified water (which is near normal faucet flow) and can produce up to 500 GPD (gallons per day) if needed​. This means you can fill pots or bottles without waiting. Traditional RO units often have slow flow (just a trickle) and rely on the tank reserve; once the tank empties, you have to wait hours for it to refill.

• No tank means one less component to clean or worry about. Old RO tanks have bladders that can impart taste and require sanitization occasionally. They also have air pressure that needs to be maintained. The Aquala P500 simplifies this by removing the tank-related maintenance entirely. Fewer parts, fewer potential failure points.
  
• Tankless systems are newer designs and come with modern touches – e.g., Aquala’s P500 has digital displays, filter reminders, leak detection, etc., which most tank systems lack. They’re designed to be more user-friendly and plug-and-play.
  
• Efficiency: The P500 has a very good pure-to-waste water ratio of 2:1. That means for every 2 liters of purified water, only 1 liter goes to waste. Many traditional RO systems with tanks may waste 3–4 liters for every 1 liter of pure water. The improved efficiency not only saves water (and is more eco-friendly) but also reduces the load on your plumbing.
  

Absolutely – filtered tap water from Aquala is better for you, your wallet, and the environment when compared to bottled water. Here’s why:

• Health Considerations: Plastic bottles can leach microplastics and other chemicals (especially if stored in warm conditions). Studies have found that many bottled waters contain tiny plastic particles from the packaging. By avoiding bottled water, you avoid ingesting these microplastics. Aquala’s system removes potential contaminants without introducing new ones. You store your water in glass or reusable bottles, which is safer.

• The water quality you get from the Aquala P500 is on par with (and often better than) many bottled waters. Most bottled water is either just filtered tap water or comes from springs that can have varying mineral content. With Aquala, you have consistent, high-purity water every time, free of microplastics or any contaminants that sometimes sneak into bottled water.

• Cost Savings: Bottled water is expensive. If you do the math, paying a few dollars for a liter of water is thousands of times more costly than tap water. The average Australian drinks 800+ plastic bottles per year, which can cost a hefty sum​. With Aquala, after the upfront investment, the ongoing cost is just periodic filter changes (a few cents per liter at most). You’ll quickly recoup the cost of the system by not purchasing bottled water. Essentially, you get unlimited “bottled-quality” water for free after installation.

• Environmental Impact: Using the Aquala filter means drastically reducing plastic waste. Every glass or bottle you fill from the tap is one less single-use plastic bottle in circulation. Those plastic bottles create pollution in their production, transportation, and often end up in landfills or oceans.