Water filters come in many forms, but they all rely on a limited number of technologies to remove the numerous contaminants typically found in water. Municipal water treatment systems employ several technologies to treat the water so that it’s fit for human consumption; however these disinfection methods come with a steep price tag on health. To protect drinking water from disease-causing organisms or pathogens, chloramines or chlorine is typically used to treat the water. Once either reacts with organic material, disinfection byproducts such as Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids, Bromate and Chlorite are created which can pose health serious risks.
Some people who drink water containing total trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems and increased risk of cancer. ~ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Understanding the types of technologies available to treat water for both biological and chemical contaminants will make it easier for you to review the pros and cons of each. You can achieve clean, purified water by installing the appropriate filtration system that removes the toxins of concern from your water. Read Water Filters Reviews to Discover the Best Filtration System.
Here are a few pointers to help narrow down your search:
- Some filters combine the power of several technologies, while others work with one type of technology.
- To verify if a filter removes a certain contaminant, check whether it’s certified for that contaminant by a reputable agency such as NSF or the California Department of Public Health.
- Filters labeled “NSF” may be certified to remove toxins from water but these certifications aren’t all created equal. A filter may be certified to remove a specific contaminant, or in some cases, certification might be for improving water taste; be sure to read the fine print.
7 Water Filtration System Basics
1.) Activated Carbon/Carbon Filters
These vary in effectiveness, but generally, carbon filters remove contaminants such as lead, mercury, asbestos, and several other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Activated carbon chemically bonds with contaminants and removes them from the water – but it also has its limitations. These do not remove inorganic compounds such as fluoride. Additionally, depending on the NSF certification, some are effective at removing chlorine whereas others only remove chlorine taste and odor. Here are the two most common:
Carbon Block
These filters have a larger surface area than that of granulated activated carbon fiber which makes them more effective. This type of filter is made by heating activated carbon into blocks. Keep in mind though, that the speed at which water flows through the filter also determines how effectively filtered it is.
Granulated Activated Carbon
Carbon block filters work better than this type of filter. Granulated Activated Carbon contains tiny grains of activated carbon and they have a small surface area. Their performance is also affected by how fast water flows through them.
2.) UV (ultraviolet)
Ultraviolet light can be used to kill certain microorganisms and bacteria; however, this process can not remove chemical pollutants.
3.) Distillation
This type of filter uses heat to vaporize water and then the steam is condensed back to the water. A large number of bacteria are removed this way, as well as chemicals and viruses. Distillation does not remove volatile organic chemicals (VOC’s), chlorine or trihalomethanes.
4.) Mechanical Filters
These work like ceramic filters by removing solid contaminants. In order to clean the water more effectively, they are used in combination with other types of filters.
5.) Reverse Osmosis
This can be effective at removing contaminants such as arsenic, fluoride, nitrates, hexavalent chromium, and many other contaminants. In order to filter the contaminants, water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane where particles larger than water molecules are blocked out.
If you are like most people, you have been lead to believe Fluoride is a healthy supplement added to our drinking water. Read what the dentists and other fluoride advocates have to say.
Related Articles: Fluoride: The Invisible Threat
6.) Deionization
In case you’d prefer a more complex form of filtration, deionization removes electrically charged molecules and iron salts through an ion exchange process. Microorganisms and non-ionic compounds (ie: many VOC’s or trihalomethanes) can not be removed through an ion exchange process.
7.) Ozone
Acc’d to the EPA, Bromate occurs when bromide in the water reacts with the disinfectant, ozone. It is great at killing bacteria and additional microorganisms but works best when paired with other filtration methods as it is not effective at removing chemical contaminants.
Which System to Choose
When filtering drinking water for your home, you’re basically trying to remove a host of contaminants including microbial forms such as bacteria, parasites, and algae, or inorganic contaminants such as copper, brass, aluminum, iron, etc. Untreated water contains a large number of potentially harmful organisms and compounds, all of which require advanced filters to remove.
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POU (Point-of-Use)– These types of filtration devices introduce water at a single water connection (ie: kitchen sink) and include under-counter (ie: Reverse Osmosis), countertop (ie: Filtration never before available in a pitcher 
and Berkey) or faucet-mounted filters (ie: PUR or Aquasana shower filters).
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POE (Point-of-Entry) – These are installed at the main water line where water enters the home. They are also referred to as Whole House. How to Choose the Right Water Filtration System because they provide filtered water to all sinks, baths, showers, dishwashers, refrigerators (such as the Ukf8001 filter), washing machines and toilets – basically, the entire house (ie: Rhino whole house water filter).
No single filter can remove all undesirables from your drinking water but using a filter lowers the risk of infection or long-term exposure to chemical contaminants. In order to get healthy water for your home, you may need to combine two or more filtration systems. Be sure you understand what the filter removes and test your water (if necessary) before purchasing the appropriate filter for optimal health. You can find out what’s in your local water HERE (How 100 US Cities rank for Tap Water Quality).
Here is a useful resource about The Different Water Filtration Systems for Your Home.
Don’t Forget…Change Your Filters!
No filter will give you consistently good performance over the long term unless it receives regular maintenance. As contaminants build-up, a filter can not only become less effective, but actually can make your water worse by starting to release harmful bacteria or chemicals back into your filtered water.
Photo Credit: Jessie Preza + Hollingsworth Showroom
This is definitely a great write up on all of the different kinds of water filters that are currently on the market, there are so many contaminants in the water, and they all need to be removed, and this can be achieved with a reverse osmosis system. Because most reverse osmosis systems include various filtration types, it is by far the most effective solution. For example, my system has both granular activated carbon, and carbon block filters, the reverse osmosis filter, and a deionization filter.
Dani which reverse osmosis system do you use?
We use a Chanson Nano Filtration system which is a modified R/O system that actually keeps the healthy alkaline minerals in the water while filtering out the bad stuff.
Living in an apartment in NYC doesn’t really allow me to use my under counter filter so I use a Berkey. The first year I found sediment at the bottom of every filtration and I recently switched to Propur filters. No sediment and water tastes clean. N.B. They even have additional filters to get rid of fluoride too.
Hi Sandra~
Thanks for your feedback! Just curious…why can’t you use the under sink models in the city? Is this a space issue? Thanks for bringing Propur to our attention. Yes, they appear to be very similar to Berkey and we would definitely advise using the additional fluoride filters!! I noticed these are NSF certified (bingo), which I couldn’t verify w/ Berkey.
Any model that attaches to the faucet spout requires screw grooves for the filtration attachment. Back then, I had a sprayer and I wasn’t allowed to switch it out (even if I switched it back). Now, in my new place, there’s an Ikea faucet that doesn’t have the screw grooves to attach the countertop attachment. Still using the Berkey! And glad I found this thread because I couldn’t recall what brand of filters I used since they’re due for replacement :).
Before buying any water filter and purifier we kept in mind some specifications and technology which is best water purifier for home.
No doubt that it’s a difficult task to choose the right water filtration system but after read your post it will be easiest to select best water purifier.
I am really picky about the water I drink and I hate drinking straight from the tap. I didn’t realize there were so many different types of filtration systems. I think I would like the reverse osmosis system since it would remove contaminants like arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates. Those are probably dangerous in drinking and I wouldn’t want them in me or my family!
Hi Ron and Lisa! Thank you for those water filtration system basics. And I will take note of your reminder in the end about changing filters. Great post by the way.
Oh yes, this is all too often overlooked by people and create more harm than good if not changed frequently. Thanks for your feedback!
You’re so awesome guys! Pleasure is mine 🙂
Thanks for pointing out that water filters come in many forms, but they all rely on a limited number of technologies. You also said that chloramines are typically used to prevent disease-causing organisms. I think it’s a good idea to choose a water purification system that is easy to take with you when your camping.
We just moved into a new home and we are looking to have a water filter installed. With young kids, I am very cautious of what they are putting in their bodies, and I want to make sure the water is safe for them. As you said, untreated water can have lots of harmful organisms, which is why a filter is necessary. I did not realize that there are so many different kinds of filters. We will be sure to look more into these different kinds to decide which is best for us.
I’ve done so much research on water filter but I get confused. At least your blog have shared good guide that makes easier to select the best water filter
Glad you enjoyed it Judy 🙂
Excellent write up on Home water filtration system.Thanks for keeping the blog.
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Thank you kindly and you’re so welcome 🙂
Thanks for giving better information about any RO water purifier because everyone wants to read all important specifications about best water purifier to purchase. It helps to purchase best RO water purifier for home.
Be it selecting a water filter for home use or for office use, knowing the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) levels of the water can go a long way in making the right decision when choosing a water filtration system. If the water has a low TDS then a UV water purifier is the best choice and if the TDS level is high then you need to purchase an RO water purifier. Great article, Ron and Lisa. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for being so informative It helps to purchase best RO water purifier for home
Indeed!
I am really choosy about the water I drink and I hate drinking straight from the tap or we can say impure water. I didn’t realize there were so many different types of filtration systems. I think I would like the reverse osmosis system since it would remove contaminants like fluoride, and nitrates. Those are probably dangerous in drinking and I wouldn’t want them in me or my family! I found a lots of options of water purifier on the website of Commercial RO Water Purifier Plant.
Very Informative and Helpful post related to Water filtration System. Thanks for providing with us.
Hi, this is the best information about Water filtration system. Thanks for sharing.
Really nice. Your post will help me to select the best RO Water Purifier.
I do like that you go over some of the different kinds of water filtration techniques there are; after all, you will want to have an idea of what you can pick from before choosing. There might even be ones that work better depending on where you live, so you’ll definitely want to take that into account. At the very least, you might be able to talk to a seller or installation specialist about the one that might meet your needs the best.
It’s not hard to choose any water purification. But your blog helps us to buy a best watter purification. thanku so much for sharing this post.
Hy,
I really Liked Your Post. Your post really helps people to choose the best water filter. Thanks for sharing this article
Thanks
Hi, Ron and Lisa, thanks for sharing. This is a really informative post and lets me have a comprehensive understanding of the water filter technique. Also, I think the triple filtration technique is also very important. Please check out more info by reading this post.
https://waterfilter-system.com/blogs/news/how-can-i-find-the-best-replacement-refrigerator-water-filters
Sharing is caring. Thank you very much for these tips with the community on how to choose and buy the right water filter and water purifier.
I read your article & I found This is really very useful and informative for those people who need to know about it. Thanks for Sharing.
Thanks for sharing the list of forum posting sites.
Thank you for your helpful article.
For ISO 27001 Certification, I would suggest to go with SIS Certifications ISO certification body in India.
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Thank you for explaning the 7 Water Filtration System Basics requirement. this was a wonderful experience for us to know this.
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Before buying any water filter and purifier we kept in mind some specifications and technology which is best water purifier for home.
Very helpful article.
Thank You Ron & Lisa Beres for this article of How to Choose the Right Water Filtration System it really helped
Yea I bought one and stopped using it cuz the fresh taste just doesn’t last past a couple of fill-ups. I gave it 6 months and didn’t feel it was worth the extra cost of buying new filters when they just don’t last long at all. I could clearly taste the water getting worse and worse after the initial great taste. It’s a great concept but not cost-effective at all.
As opposed to what, tap water? With anything – air purifiers, water filtration systems, HVAC systems, etc…you’ll need to replace the filters; even pools, vacuums and your car’s filter. Any unit will only be effective when the filters are replaced regularly acc’d to the manufacturer’s recommendations.