Types of Water Filters
Remove: sand, dirt, rust, large particles
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Best for: pre-filtering before finer systems
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Common form: pleated or spun polypropylene
2. Activated Carbon Filters
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Remove: chlorine, bad taste & odor, some chemicals
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Works by: adsorption (binding contaminants to carbon surface)
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Forms: granulated carbon or carbon block
3. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
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Removes: dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals, salts
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How it works: forces water through a semipermeable membrane
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Best for: making very pure drinking water
4. Ultraviolet (UV) Purifiers
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Removes: bacteria, viruses, microorganisms
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Uses: UV light to disinfect water
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Good for: biological contamination (needs clear water first)
5. Ceramic Filters
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Remove: bacteria, protozoa, dirt
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Long-lasting and washable
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Pores in ceramic physically block contaminants
6. Ion Exchange Filters
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Remove: hardness minerals (calcium & magnesium)
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Often used in: water softeners
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Exchanges ions to soften water
7. Distillation Systems
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Removes: most contaminants including minerals
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Process: boils water → steam → condenses back
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Very pure water but slow & energy-intensive
8. Whole House (Point-of-Entry) Filters
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Treats: all water entering home
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Can combine different technologies (e.g., sediment + carbon)
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Good for large scale contaminant reduction
9. Faucet/Countertop Filters
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Small, convenient
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Usually carbon or basic multi-stage filtration
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Good for apartments or rentals
10. Pitcher Filters
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Portable and inexpensive
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Usually carbon filters
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Great for improving taste and odor
