How Do Water Filters Function? Myths and Facts

Humans cannot survive without water. Many Americans, in fact, cannot bear the thought of leaving with their cherished water filters. We have to hand it to them: whether it’s because they live in a location with poor drinking water quality or because they heard coffee machines produce better coffee with filtered water, these ingenious gadgets are everywhere.

But have you ever thought about how water filters work? Are they genuinely improving your water or are they simply wasting your money? Today, we’ll lay down some facts and debunk some falsehoods.

Water Filters 101: How Do They Work?

Traditional, store-bought water filters are just one method of filtering water. They are, however, by far the most practical and handy. Overall, they perform an excellent job of eliminating pollutants from tap water.

Filters are classified into two types: physical and chemical. Let’s have a look at how each of these filters works.

Physical Filtration

Water travels through a physical filter in this sort of filtration system. It’s similar to straining water for microscopic, tiny particles that you don’t want in your drink. The filter captures them, making your water safe.

While looking for a mechanical filter, you will see a measurement in microns. It is the particle size that a certain filter catches. For example, if the only issue you have with your tap water is that it is brown, a 5-micron filter intended to remove sediments would suffice. A 0.5-micron filter, on the other hand, is required to eliminate giardia parasites from drinking water.

Chemical Filtration

Another of the two methods for purifying water is chemical filtration. It works by passing water through an active material, which causes a chemical reaction that removes pollutants from the water stream.

This technology may be used to remove pesticides, nitrates, heavy metals, chlorine, and other pollutants. These water filtration systems are a wonderful alternative if you want to enhance the flavor and odor of your tap water.

Different Types of Water Filters

Now that we’ve covered the many kinds of water filters, let’s get down to business: which one is the best? Even better, which one should you get for your house? And how do they all operate together?

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters, by far the most common option, are an excellent addition to any house. They filter out some of the most prevalent pollutants and toxins in tap water, making it not only safe to drink but also tasteless.

Activated carbon granules and carbon blocks may be found at almost every large supermarket. Brita filters, for example, employ it in their water filter pitchers.

The major benefit of these filters is that they easily remove chlorine and dissolved solids, which are the most common complaints about tap water. Moreover, these filters are simple to use, inexpensive, and quick to locate.

Sadly, they are not without drawbacks. To begin with, most activated carbon filters are incapable of removing heavy metals, nitrates, or microorganisms. Also, after a few months of usage, they get saturated and can no longer filter anything for you. You’ll need to replace the filters.

Ion Exchange Filters

This kind of chemical filtration has a lengthy scientific explanation, but we’ll stick to the essentials. Ion exchange filters soften hard water by converting harmful molecules into beneficial ones. To put it another way, they swap magnesium and calcium for other ions like hydrogen.

If you need a water softener, this sort of filter will come in handy. Although more costly than carbon filters, it not only softens hard water but also eliminates other unwanted contaminants. After a few months of use, you’ll need to replace the ion exchange filters.

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse osmosis filters are arguably the most efficient technique to remove unwanted particles from your water. By forcing water through a thin membrane, only high-quality water emerges on the other side. Contaminants remain trapped in the membrane.

These water filtration systems are the most comprehensive available. Everything from silt to heavy metals and chlorine will be removed. Most reverse osmosis filters are meant to be fitted under your sink, providing you with clean, drinkable water directly from the tap. There are also whole-home water filters that are put at the water supply point, allowing you to drink completely healthy water from any faucet in the house.

After your system is exhausted, you will need to change the filters on a regular basis. This may make reverse osmosis filters more costly in the long term, but given their effectiveness, they are absolutely worth considering.

Steam Distillation

You could either purchase or build a steam distillation system to filter water; either way, you’d obtain clean, tasty water. They operate by boiling water, converting it to vapor, capturing and condensing that vapor into liquid water, and allowing it to drop into a separate container. Consider it a tiny version of the natural water cycle.

This implies that after the distillation process is completed, hazardous pollutants such as heavy metals will be removed. You will have also destroyed any bacteria that may have been present in the tap water. Unfortunately, volatile organic chemicals (for example, trihalomethanes) cannot be removed from drinking water because they have a lower boiling point than water and hence are taken away and dissolve into the clean water.

Do Water Filters Kill Bacteria?

Water filters do not, in and of themselves, destroy microorganisms. Certain mechanical filters catch germs (such as bacteria) and prevent them from entering your body. Yet, if you do not replace the filter in a timely manner, germs will easily get through, putting your health at danger.

Boiling your water for a few minutes is the most efficient approach to kill germs. Bacteria cannot tolerate temperatures beyond 212F (or 100C), or the boiling point of water.

Is My Water Filter Working Properly?

Did you check to see whether your water filter was certified by the National Science Foundation (NSF) before purchasing it? They, together with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), test water filters on a regular basis to determine their effectiveness. Would you trust us if we told you that some firms market their filters as independently tested even if they may not function properly? Put your health first and only purchase ANSI- and NSF-approved water filters.

You will also need to replace the filters on a regular basis. Even the greatest water filters need replacement every now and again, or they may cease filtering water. The manufacturer determines how long yours will survive, so follow their guidelines.