What Contaminants Can Be Removed by a Water Filtration System?

Learn about what type of contaminants can be removed by a water filtration system from physical particles like sand and sediment to chemical toxins like pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

What Contaminants Can Be Removed by a Water Filtration System?

Water filtration systems are an effective way to eliminate a wide range of contaminants from our water supply. From physical particles such as sand and sediment, to chemical toxins like pesticides and pharmaceuticals, water filters can be used to remove a variety of impurities. But what type of pollutants can be removed by a water filtration system?Most purely physical water filters are designed to remove dirt, silt, sand and sediment from the water. These filters are often used in well water treatment systems, as large particles can easily damage more sensitive water treatment devices, such as reverse osmosis membranes.

Sediment filters are also used to remove large contaminants from the water. Sediment particles don't have to be visible grains; they're simply larger than most invisible contaminants. A single filter cannot remove all impurities, but you can use a combination of water treatment methods for the best results. Whole-house water treatment devices treat all the water that enters the house, not just the water that is used for drinking. Rather than looking for a water filter that removes most contaminants, consider filters that remove the contaminants you're dealing with. A backwash filter works when water flows into the filter and, through filter media such as filter sand or polyester, larger sediment particles are trapped in the filter.

Water filters can also be used to remove toxins such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, perfluorinated chemicals, mercury, lead, volatile organic compounds and disease-carrying pathogens. Some reverse osmosis filters use a remineralization filter to re-introduce healthy minerals into drinking water, giving it a more pleasant taste. Although ingesting these elements is not harmful, they do affect the taste and performance of water for washing and cleaning clothes. Getting a filter that removes most contaminants is great, but not all filters offer the same quality of performance. Chlorine is another common contaminant that can be removed by a water filter. Chlorine can cause water to taste unpleasant and smell bad and even cause skin irritation.

You may be more concerned about eliminating chemical contaminants that affect your health, or you may simply want to stay safe from potential water pollution or pollution problems in your local area. Even if you get your water from a municipal supplier, it still contains a variety of trace contaminants, from metals to chemicals and other pollutants. Reverse osmosis water can taste quite flat and bland because it lacks healthy minerals that contribute to the alkaline taste of the water. Five pollutants in particular play an important role in water quality: lead, arsenic, nitrates/nitrites, chlorine and bacteria. Filtration systems under the sink are installed under the sink and send the water through a pipe to the faucet specially installed on the filter. Activated carbon filter cartridges require a relatively long contact time between water and the filter medium, allowing the filter to remove as many contaminants as possible. The second most important aspect of the performance of a water filter is its useful life.

Many refrigerators have a built-in filter that supplies water through the door and supplies an automatic ice maker. In conclusion, there are many types of contaminants that can be removed by a water filtration system. From physical particles like sand and sediment to chemical toxins like pesticides and pharmaceuticals, there are many types of pollutants that can be eliminated with an effective filtration system. It is important to consider what type of contaminants you are dealing with when selecting a filtration system so that you can get one that is best suited for your needs.

Lance Vassallo
Lance Vassallo

Subtly charming bacon junkie. Incurable food fan. Devoted zombie guru. Hipster-friendly social media practitioner. Devoted beer enthusiast. Incurable web guru.