How Do Water Filtration Systems Work? – Your Questions Answered

How do water filtration systems work? This is a commonly asked question among home owners concerned about the content of their drinking water supply. While there are some differences between the various purification methods on the market, most filters work in the same basic way. Water is passed through the device and the filtering media traps impurities inside. Clear water comes out the other side. The chemicals, bacteria and contaminants removed vary according to the media used. Regardless of the media used, you will need to change the filter to prevent the system from becoming clogged and ineffective.

So how do these systems work? Home water purification systems use a variety of methods for filtering the water in your house. Carbon and reverse osmosis are the most widely used methods. Each system removes different contaminants. You should have your supply tested to determine which style of filtration will best fit your needs. Chemicals, pollutants, organic contaminants and microorganisms in the supply are responsible for illness in thousands each year.

How does a carbon filter work?

Activated carbon is the filtration media used in most home filtration systems. It can be found in either granular or carbon block form. Carbon is used in most under the sink water purification systems and is very effective for removing chlorine and other chemicals used in treatment. Carbon will also remove some microorganisms, such as giardia and cryptosporidium, which are responsible for illness. Look for activated carbon with silver in the block, which is more effective for neutralizing bacteria.

How does a reverse osmosis system work?

Reverse osmosis water filters are effective at removing smaller contaminants. A reverse osmosis home filtration system will remove particles smaller than a water molecule. A semi permeable membrane is used to strain the supply, removing the impurities and flushing them away in the wastewater. Reverse osmosis is referred to as hyperfiltration due to its ability to strain the finest impurities. Three stage drinking water purification systems are the most effective. These generally consist of a sediment filter before the RO membrane to remove larger particles, keeping the membrane clear. A carbon filter is often used after the membrane to remove any residual chemicals and improve the taste.