Water filter systems play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of your water, eliminating or minimising the presence of dangerous impurities such as bacteria, chlorine, sediment, and heavy metals. They not only improve the flavour and odour of tap water but also ensure its safety. However, the efficiency of their filtration process varies, with some water filters being better than others at eliminating specific pollutants.
In this blog, we aim to empower you with the knowledge needed to make an educated decision about finding the best water filter system for your house. We have included the most popular filter systems on the market, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of each.
1. Activated carbon
2. Ion exchange
3. Reverse osmosis
4. Mechanical
5. Ultraviolet
Water Filter Systems: Activated Carbon
Activated carbon water filters out chlorine, chloroform, agricultural chemicals, organic pollutants, sediment, and magnesium.
Understanding how activated carbon water filters work requires a grasp of ‘adsorption ‘. ‘Adsorption’ is when one material attaches to another while passing through. This is the basis of activated charcoal or carbon in water filters.
This is the most common type of filter, and it is commonly coupled with other filtering technologies to increase the removal of toxins. For example, Aquasana Whole House Filter Systems employ activated carbon, a salt-free water conditioner, copper-zinc and mineral stone, and UV to provide the best filtration.
Water Filter Systems: Ion exchange
Ion exchange water filters effectively remove hard water minerals and radioactive materials. Although ion exchange benefits hard water and some radioactive materials, the filter does not successfully remove organic debris, particulates, or germs as other filtration methods. As a result, ion exchange is more frequently linked with water softeners than filters. However, softeners may be incorporated as a step in whole-house filters.
Reverse osmosis
Reverse osmosis water filters efficiently remove a wide range of pollutants, including salt, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, arsenic, nitrates/nitrites, copper, radium, and others. They are quite popular, and for good reason. They are the most effective in removing a huge proportion of pollutants from water, including potentially harmful bacteria linked to waterborne illnesses.
Mechanical
Mechanical water filters remove physical particles, including silt, debris, and waste.
They are commonly employed as a pre-filtration procedure.
These filters have micron ratings, which show their success in filtering specific particle sizes. Common ratings include:
- Five microns: Removes most visible particulates.
- One micron: Removes particles that are too tiny to view under a microscope.
- 0.5 micron: Eliminates cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet water lamps are household water treatment equipment that effectively removes germs and viruses.UV filters are an environmentally safe solution for sterilising water with various frequencies of ultraviolet radiation.
UV filters use UV radiation to effectively sterilise all bacteria and viruses by disrupting their DNA, thereby purifying drinking water. It’s important to note that UV filters only remove bacteria and viruses from water.
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