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We Know: How Do Water Filters Work?
Types of Filtration Systems
There are several methods of filtering water. Below are the most common:
- Distillation. This method will kill bacteria, remove dissolved solids, hardness, sodium, nitrates, bacteria,
heavy metals, radionuclides, and organic compounds. Filters using distillation will not remove
solvents, certain kinds of contaminants or pesticides.
- Activated Carbon. This method is the most commonly used for household water filters.
The carbon will absorb the organisms that make water smell and taste bad. Depending on the filter,
it may also remove chlorine, pesticides, and solvents. They will not remove copper, lead, bacteria,
nitrate, or dissolved minerals.
- Ion Exchange. This method will remove the minerals such as magnesium and calcium that
make water hard. It will also remove fluoride, and may also remove barium and radium, depending
on the model. If the water contains iron bacteria or oxidized iron it will clog the ion-exchanger.
- Reverse Osmosis. This method will remove sodium and other dissolved organic as well as
inorganic compounds, nitrate, offensive odors, taste, or color. It may reduce the amount of
pesticides, petrochemicals, dioxins, and chloroform. Reverse osmosis does not remove all organic
or inorganic contaminants.
Tips for Buying a Water Filter
When buying a water filter, keep these things in mind:
- Estimate how much drinking water you use per month. Filters can be installed as part of the water
line where the water comes into the house, or under the kitchen sink. Some water filters are
attached directly to the kitchen faucet. Another option is to buy a water filter that is part
of a refillable water pitcher. If you can get buy with a pitcher style filter, this is easier and
cheaper to use than installing a whole-house water filtration system.
- Replacement filters can get expensive. When comparing prices on the filters themselves,
take into account the cost of each model's replacement filters. For filters that are faucet-mounted
or are the refillable-pitcher style, you will need to change the filter anywhere from one to three
months, depending on how much you use it.
Brita Water Pitcher Filters
Water pitcher filters should be replaced every 40 gallons, or about every four months. Filters can be purchased
individually for about $9.00, or in packs from one to six, with savings increasing the more you buy. A six-pack of
filters is about $37. Brita water pitcher models include:
- Aqualux: One of the Smart Pitcher models (an indicator tells you when to change the filter) that sells for
around $27.00.
- Fjord: Another Smart Pitcher. Has a European look with chrome features. Sells for around $32.00.
- Ultramax Dispenser: Large capacity storage and dispenser with Smart Pitcher technology. Sells for
around $42.00.
- Slim: One of the original Brita water filter pitchers. Sells for around $11.00.
- Brita by graves: Designed by Michael Graves exclusively for Target stores. A frosted pitcher with a green handle.
Sells for around $32.00.
Common Brands of Water Filters
There are several common brands of water filters, and they include:
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