Water filters come in many different forms, sizes, and treatment methods. Deciding which filter to pick depends on what functions you want to implement. Essentially a water filter removes harmful elements from your drinking water. Not all water filters take out the same contaminants, though. The amount of water each can filter is also dependent on the specific type and its methodology. There is an option for everyone so that anyone can choose whatever fits best. Let’s dive right in!
Countertop activated charcoal filters
A point-of-use filtering system, maybe the most inexpensive and straightforward water filters that come in the form of a pitcher. They are filled with water from the top and pass it through a filtering cartridge inside, to fill the jug at the bottom. This type of system uses activated charcoal to clean water, by absorbing contaminants.
Chlorine, lead and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are some of the impurities a filter like this removes from your drinking water. The resulting water usually tastes and smells better, while also providing better tasting teas and coffee.
A similar technology, using activated carbon, is to be found in faucet-mounted filters. What is different with a faucet-mounted filter is that it needs to be installed on the faucet itself. The filtering cartridges will be different and have a different installation process, but they will filter water directly from the tap. With a faucet-mounted filter, there is no waiting for water to slowly drip into a jug.
Advantages of activated charcoal filtration
- Inexpensive to purchase
- Easy to install and use
- Improves water taste and odor
Disadvantages of activated charcoal filtration
- Needs regular cartridge replacement
- Slow filtering (with jugs)
- Pathogens and hard metals are not removed
Under the sink filters
An under the sink filtration system is one of the most out of sight methods of implementing a filter into your home. It is installed in line with the cold water main and with a separate faucet that provides filtered drinking water straight from the pipe. It implements several different ways of cleaning water.
The most well-known method comes with activated charcoal. It functions much the same as with most pitcher filters. It cleans water from organic compounds and chlorine eliminating odors and improving taste.
A reverse osmosis filtration system
Under the sink filtration systems with multiple layers are even more effective at cleaning water. Reverse osmosis systems are some of the most famous for dealing with viruses, bacteria, and heavy metals. This system directs water through a semipermeable membrane at high pressure to purify it. It also softens the water as it eliminates magnesium and calcium and other salts.
Advantages of reverse osmosis filters
- Filters large quantities of water
- Does not take up counter space
- Softens water
- Eliminates heavy metals
Disadvantages of reverse osmosis filters
- It’s a more costly investment
- Needs some plumping adjustments
- Requires some water pressure
Ion exchange filtration system
There may be instances where only hard water is the issue so an entire reverse osmosis system is not necessary. The advantages of softening water without having to rely on a semipermeable membrane can be achieved with an ion exchange system. This type of filter uses a resin bed to attract calcium and magnesium before delivering soft water to the tap.
Advantages of Ion exchange filters
- Inexpensive
- Dissolves inorganic compounds
- Removes heavy metals
- Regenerates for longer use
Disadvantages of ion exchange filters
- High cost of operation
- Organic contaminants and sediments are not removed
- Needs time to regenerate
Whole-house filtration system
Location is an important factor when picking out a filtration system for use at home. Whether your water supply is in a high-risk contamination area, or from a well, chances are all the water that comes into the home will need filtration. The favorite filtration system for the entire source is a whole house water filter.
Ultraviolet disinfection system
Treating water with ultraviolet disinfection technology usually applies to getting rid of microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. The way that works is by passing the water through a UV lamp section where the energy emitted will kill bacteria and viruses. Depending on what type of viruses it cleans away, the lamp used could need to be of a higher energy intake. This kind of water cleaning system will need to have the water already cleared of sediment before it disinfects it.
Advantages of a UV system
- Kills 99.99% of microorganism
- Easy to maintain
- Eco-friendly
- No chemicals involved
Disadvantages of a UV system
- Impurities like sediment are not removed
- Expensive to purchase
Active ceramic filters
A somewhat new filtration system to hit the market, active ceramic filters offer an alternative to the very high-tech systems out there. It uses four types of ceramic balls, each with specific filtering properties.
Active ceramic filters clean out most impurities, toxins and heavy metals. It’s also very effective at killing viruses and bacteria and raises the ph level of water adding minerals and antioxidants.
Water is sifted through millions of microscopic pores that can nevertheless permit water to flow out. The simplicity of this water filtration system is quite remarkable and only adds to their appeal as they are highly accessible and priced low.
Advantages of active ceramic filters
- Very affordable
- Perfect for remote locations
- Can last for a long time with proper cleaning
Disadvantages of active ceramic filters
- Ceramic pieces are easily broken
- Requires regular cleaning
Activated alumina filter
Using highly absorptive porous aluminum oxide, this kind of water filter is specifically geared to take out contaminants like fluoride, selenium, and arsenic. Water is run through the activated alumina granules and absorbs harmful elements. A common misconception with this filter is that it adds aluminum, which it does not. The longer the water stays in contact with the filtering media the more elements are absorbed.
Advantages of activated alumina filter
- Efficiently removes fluoride
- Clears away dissolved solids and sulfates
- Has a regeneration period for longer use
Disadvantages of activated alumina filter
- Has a finite lifespan
- PH level influence its effectiveness
- Cleaning with a regenerating agent is required regularly
- Needs to be used alongside another water filter to provide clean drinking water
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