There is no one water filter that removes everything or all contaminants but a combination of filters that work together as a team. Each filter has a specialize role it plays to reduce substances which may include:
- Heavy metals
- Chemicals
- Radiation
- Particulate matter
- Microorganisms
- Parasites
- Radiation
- And more
But water filters are just one and not the only way which water impurities can be reduced. Another is UV light and distillation.
Table of Contents
- Activated Carbon Water Filter
- Water Distillation
- Ultra Violet Light
- Reverse Osmosis
- Combining Technologies
Activated Carbon Water Filter
Carbon filters reduce chlorine, some pesticides, forever chemicals (PFOS, PFDA, PFNA and PFOA), herbicides and:
- Hormones like estrogen
- Endocrine disruptors that would be things like plastics
- Solvents and lubricants
- BPA (bisphenol an ingredient used in the construction of certain plastics)
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Some pharmaceuticals
Not all carbon filters are created equal and some contain products more effective at reducing contaminants, improving taste and removing odor than others.
Once a carbon filter has went through the activation process, other substances can be added to improve and expand the list of substances it is able to filter from your water.
Always check on the filter box or website for NSF certification and that it is certified to address specific contaminants of concern.
Also make note some filters are made of products that can reduce water flow.
Water Distillation
What is water distillation? It is the boiling of water until it evaporates or becomes a gas. During this state contaminants are left behind. When the evaporated water is cooled it then returns to its liquid state now purified.
Water distillers do remove minerals.
Water distillation is another option for filtering water contaminants. The homemade or do it yourself version tends to be filterless and consists mainly of a heating device and a collection device. But most distillers on the market are electric and include a filter that increases its ability to remove impurities and other substances.
Many popular home models produce a gallon of water in about 5 hours. So this is not a fast process. The cost can start from about $89 to hundreds of dollars. But there are some with production rates of thousands of gallons per day. Price wise these high end versions can run you well over $100,000 or more and is not something you can fit on your countertop but, are for commercial use.
But distillation won’t remove all contaminants. The CDC recommends distillation for removing arsenic, nitrates and copper. More from the CDC here:
If you have a concern for a particular contaminant and plan on buying distiller make sure you verify that machine has been certified by a reputable lab to remove/reduce those specific contaminants. NSF in the U.S.A. is one such certifying organization.
NSF is international, but it is not the only certifying body. Common certifications symbols and organization are:
- NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)
- WQF (Water Quality Association)
- IAPMO (International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
Some retailers will list certifications with product information and also include a list of impurities removed.
You frequently see advertisements for distillers that say they remove toxins, contaminants and impurities but they neglect to be specific or give a full listing of which ones.
Ultra Violet Light
This is the use of UV light to kill and sterilize water of bacteria, microorganisms and germs. It does not remove or filter them out but neutralize them so they are no longer harmful. Many claim almost 100% accuracy.
But uv light will not have an effect on chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other substances. That is why a combination of filters are needed to address each type of contaminant. Often you will see water purification units which include RO (reverse osmosis).
Reverse Osmosis
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RO is by far the front runner when it comes to removing the most contaminants.
What does reverse osmosis remove?
Reverse osmosis is a system that passes water through multiple stages to remove, pesticides, fluoride, sediment, chorine, lead and more.
It is a very thorough. Having said that there is at least one very noticeable drawback and that is waste water. For every gallon of purified water it makes; it will produce 3 about gallons of waste water in that process. But this will depend on the age and technology/brand of your system. Some systems waste even more or less.
Replace the membrane as the manufacture suggests to avoid membrane clogging causing a water flow rate reduction.
There are however next generation reverse osmosis systems called Zero Waste where water is further processed and rerouted to be used elsewhere in the home.
Reverse osmosis is used by the United States Navy on submarines and ship to purify sea water for drinking, showers and cooking.
Unlike some of the other methods in water purification RO will extract minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium which will make water more acidic.
This can be of special concern for those with health problems like:
- Acid reflux
- High blood pressure (calcium, potassium and magnesium play a role in lowering blood pressure)
- Kidney disease
- Brittle bones
If you’re concerned that over time drinking RO water will cause unnecessary health problems then adding a restoration filter will help relieves these concerns.
Also remember that our intake of water is not the only way we get minerals but in the food we eat. So eating a balanced diet that contains minerals missing from RO water will also help.
Combining Technologies
We are now able to take the best filtration methods like reverse osmosis, UV light or activated carbon and join them together in one system to enhance the final product.