If the water that reaches the tap is not completely pure or has traces, a water filter will be better for your health by removing many of the heavy components from the water. Human beings need water to survive, and although fortunately the vast majority of the population in Spain has access to clean and drinkable water, not everyone has tasty water or polluting particles. For this, there are different types of water filters to increase its quality.
In this article we are going to explain what the different types of water filters are, what they are for and what their main functions are.
How to choose a water filter
Before choosing a water filter, it is important to verify that it meets the EPA safe drinking water standards, as well as its performance and characteristics, the ease of installation and use, and the length of your warranty.
The water contains salts, minerals and organic matter: a purification system eliminates unwanted or potentially harmful substances for health. Purification systems typically use activated carbon to absorb contaminants, UV lamps to kill microorganisms, and ion-exchange resins to retain minerals or metals.
Filtration, on the other hand, is a mechanical action in which a filter element or screen retains solid particles. The most common filtration systems are sediment filters and membrane filters. The two are often used in combination. Deposits retain elements from 1 to 100 microns, while the films retain microscopic elements smaller than 1 micron.
Types of water filters
Activated carbon filter
This filter works by absorbing the polluting particles that the water may contain through a carbon adhesion system. They are capable of capturing many of the water molecules that we want to avoid consuming, although they cannot eliminate some chemicals such as arsenic, nitrates, fluorides, etc. However, there are also substances that can remove mercury, lead and other substances. There are two types of activated carbon filters: activated carbon blocks, which are often more effective, or granular activated carbon. Also, they are often used as a supplement to other equipment, providing additional filtering. It is recommended to use them with other technologies specifically designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria.
reverse osmosis filter
These semi-permeable filters work through membranes with micropores that help retain and block the passage of large impurities that may be present in the water and that are harmful to health. Often is the perfect complement to an activated carbon filter. Reverse osmosis filters, while helping to provide better quality water, are often resource-intensive filters that waste a lot of water. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a membrane with a high-quality membrane and use it only with water or for cooking.
ultraviolet filter
With UV light, this filter works in the water and in this way manages to eliminate many microorganisms and bacteria. However, it is useless if the goal is to remove solid particles or other contaminants. Thus, it is recommended to use it as a complementary device to other filters.
ozone filter
They chemically treat the water through a system that converts the oxygen molecules in the water, causing the water to oxidize. This stops the action of viruses and bacteria, so It is a very useful filter that destroys all kinds of microorganisms, viruses and bacteria. However, ozone filters cannot effectively remove harmful chemical elements contained in the water.
Ceramic filter
This method of water filtration works through a ceramic device that can be easily applied to any filter, keeping particles in the water that can be harmful to health. Helps remove microbes and some particles, but not chemicals from the water. One of its great advantages is its longevity: this type of filter can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance, thus guaranteeing long-term water care. Do you want to know more about the types of water filters? We invite you to request more information about our H2oTaps models, we will advise you all and we will indicate which is the best for your situation.
Reasons to buy types of water filters
There are several reasons for deciding to purchase a water filter. While tap water is generally approved for human consumption, it can sometimes carry various sediments, microorganisms, viruses, bacteria and other potentially toxic substances such as chlorine. But it also contributes positively in other ways.
Stop buying bottled water reduces the consumption of plastic, a great choice at an important moment in history, so it helps to start incorporating healthier practices on the planet in our daily lives. Regarding the economic factor, the consumption of bottled water supposes not only an excessive consumption of plastic, but also your weekly budget in the supermarket. When buying a filter, the money will become a long-term investment and you will be able to drink quality pure water.
Examples of types of water filters
jar format
This is the ultimate option for filtering your water before it goes into your system, the famous Brita filter water tank system. It doesn't have much of a mystery because it's such a popular product. A kettle with two water spaces and a filter to remove bad odors and reduce things like lime or chlorine in the water.
The box includes 4 filters and a bottle of water for less than 30 euros. The benefit of using the Brita system is that it has become a standard and you can find cheaper third party filters anywhere.
faucet filter
The Philips AWP3703 is the perfect water filter to install on the tap and always find filtered water every time you open the tap. While it is certainly a somewhat bulky system as it mounts directly to the faucet spout, it is a very easy installation option and each filter lasts up to half a year.
You can find it for less than 30 euros, and It is capable of filtering 1.000 liters of water for 6 months. You can also use the filter as usual and activate it with the tap lever. The replacement costs less than 10 euros.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the different types of water filters and their characteristics.