Although 90% of the tap water in the US is safe to drink, huge numbers of people still prefer bottled water for drinking. So much so, that around the world, consumers buy 1 million plastic bottles every minute.
Unless they dispose of these bottles correctly through recycling, this can have disastrous consequences for our marine ecosystems. A home water filtration system helps remove these bottles from circulation.
So, if you’re one of those people who is considering the switch to water filtration, these are your options when it comes to water filter types.
4 Water Filter Types for Your Home
While shopping for the best type of water filter for your needs, you might come across related gadgets, called water softeners. These aren’t entirely the same thing as water filters.
You can find out more about the difference here. For now, let’s focus our attention on the different types of water filters.
Activated Carbon Filters
These water filters are best for removing large particles such as silt and sediment from your water. The carbon attracts and absorbs these particles, effectively removing them from the water.
Unfortunately, these filters don’t remove dissolved inorganic compounds, salts, and minerals from the water. They’re most effective for improving the taste and smell of your water.
UV Filters
These types of filters are among the newer types of water filters available nowadays.
Ultraviolet radiation’s effective for destroying harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses in drinking water. Yet, it’s an expensive method of water filtration, relies on an energy source to run, and doesn’t remove chemicals, like fluoride, from the water.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis filters are the most advanced water filtration technology on the market.
They’re about 99% effective at removing salts out of your water, as well as sugar, dye, protein, bacteria, and viruses. They work by filtering the water through an extremely fine mesh that’s only big enough to allow water particles through it.
Unfortunately, these systems are expensive and waste about 3/4 of the water that passes through them. You need high water pressure to operate a reverse osmosis filtration system.
Activated Alumina Water Filter
These filters contain aluminum oxide which is the same substance that rubies and sapphire contain, without the color.
Activated alumina removes arsenic, selenium, and fluoride from your drinking water. The multiple pores on the surface of the aluminum oxide work like a filter to remove up to 99% of fluoride from drinking water.
This is a cost-effective method of water filtration although there’s a very slight chance it might leech aluminum into your water. This depends largely on the pH level and composition of your water, so consult with an expert before installing this type of system.
Better Water Means Better Health
A water filter helps save your family from unnecessary exposure to possibly harmful elements every day. So it’s worth investing in the best one you can afford.
These water filter types work very effectively for single-use water filtration such as faucets. However, if you’re looking for the best type of whole house water filter, things get a little more complicated.
It’s best to consult with a professional to help you decide on the best filtration system for your specific needs.
If you’re keen to make your home a better, safer place, keep browsing our site for more on the latest tips and tricks for doing almost anything.
