Water filtration systems work by removing impurities, contaminants, and other unwanted substances from water, resulting in cleaner, safer, and better-tasting water. The specific mechanisms and technologies used in water filtration systems can vary depending on the type of contaminants being targeted and the desired level of filtration. However, you’ll find most water filtration systems employ one or more of the following methods:
- Physical Filtration: Physical filtration involves the use of physical barriers, such as screens, membranes, or porous materials, to trap particles and larger impurities in the water. Common physical filtration methods include sediment filtration, which removes dirt, sand, and debris, and microfiltration, which captures larger particles and microorganisms.
- Activated Carbon Adsorption: Activated carbon is highly porous and has a large surface area, allowing it to adsorb (attract and trap) a wide range of impurities and contaminants from water. Activated carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemicals, odours, and some heavy metals, improving the taste of the water.
- Chemical Filtration: Chemical filtration utilises chemical agents or processes to remove specific contaminants from water. For example, chloramine or chlorine removal cartridges are used to eliminate chlorine-based disinfectants from water, while specialty resins or media may target heavy metals, fluoride, or other specific pollutants.
- Reverse Osmosis: Reverse osmosis is a water purification process that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove a wide range of contaminants, including dissolved solids, salts, heavy metals, bacteria, and viruses. In reverse osmosis filtration, water is forced through the membrane under pressure, with purified water passing through while contaminants are left behind and flushed away.