Best Water Purifiers in Singapore: Do You Need One, and What to Buy

Do you need a water purifier in Singapore?

Usually not for safety. PUB, Singapore's national water agency, says tap water is safe to drink directly from the tap without further filtration, and that it meets the Food Safety and Security (Non-Packaged Drinking Water) Regulations 2025 and the World Health Organisation's guidelines for drinking water quality. PUB also cautions that filters and purifiers that are poorly maintained can let bacteria grow, which is the main risk of adding one.

People still buy filters for taste (chlorine), for older buildings with ageing internal pipes, or for peace of mind. If that is you, the guidance below applies. Be wary of adverts that claim Singapore tap water is unsafe. PUB has publicly called one such water purifier advertisement misleading.

Lookup has not tested any product on this page. The recommendation below is based on manufacturer specifications and a Singapore retailer listing.

A countertop filter pitcher sold in Singapore

Philips Instant Water Filter, 3L (AWP2980)

Harvey Norman Singapore lists the Philips AWP2980 as an instant water filter pitcher with a 3L tank, USB Type-C charging, a filter-usage monitor and a flip-top lid for one-handed refills. Philips markets its Micro X-Clean Instant cartridge as reducing chlorine, lead, pesticides and microplastics, with a flow rate of about 1L per minute, faster than a conventional gravity pitcher.

• Good for: households that want quicker filtering and better-tasting water without plumbing work.
• Limitation: a pitcher needs regular cartridge replacements, and the pitcher and its parts must be cleaned and refilled regularly to avoid the bacteria growth PUB warns about.

Check the retailer's page for the current price and cartridge availability before buying.

Water purifier buying guide

Filtration type

Pitchers and tap-mounted filters use activated carbon to improve taste and reduce chlorine. Under-sink and reverse osmosis systems filter more finely but need installation, a drain line and servicing. For Singapore tap water, a carbon filter is usually enough if you only want better taste.

Claims to check

Look for named test standards or certificates for the specific contaminants a product says it reduces, rather than general phrases such as "removes all impurities". Be sceptical of any product that claims to remove viruses or "toxins" without evidence.

Maintenance and filter replacement

Maintenance is where most problems start. Ask how often cartridges need replacing, what they cost, and whether replacements are sold in Singapore. Replace on schedule, and clean the reservoir.

Capacity and fit

Choose a size for your household's daily drinking and cooking water, and check that it fits your fridge or counter.

Warranty and support

Buy from a seller with a local warranty and easy access to replacement filters.

Frequently asked questions

Is Singapore tap water safe to drink?

Yes, according to PUB, which says tap water can be drunk straight from the tap. Occasionally the water may appear discoloured; PUB advises running the tap until it clears and contacting them if it stays cloudy.

Should I boil or filter tap water?

PUB says it is not necessary. If you do filter, maintain the filter as instructed.

What do water filters remove?

Common carbon filters reduce chlorine taste and odour and some other substances. What a specific product reduces depends on its tested specification, so read the manufacturer's data.