What are the most common Water Filter Methods used to treat water?

One might say it's ironic that many areas of the world face critical shortages of drinking water when ¾ of our planet’s surface is covered with water. However, when you consider most of the water is seawater, which is far too saline for human consumption, and the majority of the little "fresh" water that remains is trapped in inaccessible polar ice caps, the situation makes more sense. In addition, much of the natural supply of potable water that is accessible faces stress from a growing world population, which increases the basic demand for this natural resource, while reducing the supply further through biological and industrial contamination. Some good news about this problem is individuals can now take control of their own water quality with the use of water filters and water purification systems. Utilizing these products, it's possible to treat water for nearly all biological and chemical contaminants that may be encountered. These water filters and purification systems also treat for ''aesthetic'' contaminants that cause potable water to have unpleasant tastes, colors and odors. There are many effective water filters and water purification systems, yet, unfortunately, no single technology is effective in treating all of the possible contaminants. A specific technology or combination of technologies is usually applied to treat the specific problem at hand. Activated Carbon (Granular and Solid Block) Granular activated carbon is a well-established technology for the reduction of a wide range of aesthetic contaminants, and is quite effective in the reduction of some health contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (benzene, trichloroethylene) and other ''petroleum''-based contaminants. Due to its molecular makeup, activated carbon can readily absorb, meaning it can take in or collect a host of organic molecules on its surface. Carbon water filters are typically inexpensive and maintenance involves purchasing replacement water filters one to 12 times a year, depending on the quality of the raw water and the filter media. Specially designed solid block and precoat carbon water filters are also available, which are effective at reducing heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Solid block filters with a pore size smaller than 0.2 microns are often effective against biological contaminants as well. Activated Alumina Activated alumina is a filter media made by treating aluminum ore so that it becomes porous and highly absorptive. Activated alumina will remove a variety of contaminants, including excessive fluoride, arsenic and selenium. The medium requires periodic cleaning with an appropriate regenerant such as alum or acid in order to remain effective. Home Page | FAQs | Glossary | Contact Us