Waiora Essence III Whole House Mains Filter - 3 Stage, 10 Inch Jumbo, Heavy Metal & Chlorine Removal NZ

Town water goes through a lot before it reaches your tap. Chlorine, chemical odours, and fine sediment are common — and in areas with older pipes, traces of heavy metals can be present too. The Waiora Essence III is built to handle all of it.

This is a 3-stage whole house system designed for New Zealand homes on mains water. Stage one catches sediment. Stage two uses a KDF/GAC filter to reduce heavy metals and chlorine. Stage three finishes with a carbon block to clear any remaining taste and odour. The result is cleaner, better-tasting water from every tap in the house.

The triple 10 inch jumbo housings arrive pre-mounted on a powder-coated bracket, ready to go on the wall. Connection is standard 25mm BSP. Filter changes are DIY-friendly with the included housing spanner.

Key specs at a glance

• 3-stage filtration
• Stage 1: 1 micron polyspun sediment filter
• Stage 2: KDF/GAC heavy metal and chlorine filter
• Stage 3: 5 micron carbon block filter
• Housing: 10 inch x 4.5 inch jumbo
• Connection: 25mm BSP
• Cartridge life: 6–12 months
• Bracket: Powder-coated steel
• Warranty: 3 years

Why Kiwi homeowners choose the Essence III

• Reduces heavy metals that older mains pipes can introduce into your water
• Removes chlorine taste and chemical odour at every tap
• Catches rust, grit, and fine particles before they reach your appliances
• Compact footprint — fits in tight spaces under the house or in a utility cupboard
• Simple DIY filter changes — no special tools needed beyond the included spanner
• Pre-mounted and ready to install

How it works

Stage 1 — Sediment

The 1 micron polyspun filter traps fine particles, rust flakes, and grit from your mains supply line. It protects the filters downstream and helps all three stages last longer.

Stage 2 — KDF/GAC Heavy Metal and Chlorine

The KDF/GAC filter reduces heavy metals and chlorine as water passes through. KDF media works through a chemical exchange process, while the granular activated carbon handles taste and odour compounds.

Stage 3 — Carbon Block

The 5 micron carbon block gives your water a final clean pass — removing any remaining chlorine taste, chemical odours, and fine impurities before it reaches your taps.

Technical specifications

What's in the box

• Triple 10 inch jumbo housings (pre-mounted)
• 1 micron polyspun sediment filter
• KDF/GAC filter
• 5 micron carbon block filter
• Housing spanner
• Mounting hardware

Frequently asked questions

Is the Essence III right for my home?

It's designed for New Zealand homes on town (mains) water where chlorine taste, odour, sediment, or heavy metal reduction is a priority. If you're on rainwater or bore water, a different system would suit better — get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.

How is the Essence III different from the Essence II?

The Essence II is a 2-stage system covering sediment and chlorine. The Essence III adds a KDF/GAC stage in the middle, which targets heavy metals and provides an additional layer of chlorine reduction. If you're on older pipes or want more thorough treatment, the Essence III is the stronger choice.

Do I need a plumber to install it?

For most customers, yes — a licensed plumber is the safest path and protects your warranty on the plumbing side. That said, the Essence III arrives fully assembled, uses standard 25mm BSP fittings, and mounts with the included hardware. If you're confident with household plumbing, the installation itself is straightforward. If you're not sure, get in touch and we'll help you decide.

How often do I replace the cartridges?

Every 6–12 months, depending on your water quality and usage. Higher sediment or heavy metal loads will shorten cartridge life. The included housing spanner keeps changes quick and clean.

Do I need bypass valves?

They're not included, but they're worth adding. Bypass valves let you isolate the filter during cartridge changes without shutting off water to the rest of the house. Ask us about adding a set when you order.

What does the KDF/GAC stage do?

KDF media works through a chemical exchange process that helps reduce heavy metals such as lead and copper. The granular activated carbon component handles chlorine and chemical taste and odour. Together they form the core of what makes the Essence III more capable than a standard twin system.

Will it affect my water pressure?

The 10 inch jumbo housings are designed to maintain good pressure. Keep cartridges replaced on schedule — a clogged cartridge is the most common cause of pressure drop.

What warranty does it come with?

3 years.