When it comes to whole-home water filtration systems, choosing the appropriate filtration level is an important decision that impacts performance. However, navigating the filtration terminology can be confusing. This guide explains the common filtration levels and how to select the right whole home filtration system based on your home’s water quality needs.
Carbon Filtration
Carbon block and granular activated carbon filters fall under the carbon filtration level. At a pore size of 1-5 microns, carbon filters absorb a wide range of contaminants including chlorine, organic chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). They have a high capacity for chemical contaminants compared to other media types.
Carbon filtration is effective for general chemical, odor, and taste issues in water. However, it does not remove particulate matter. Combining carbon with a sediment pre-filter offers single-stage physical and chemical treatment suitable for many well and city water sources. Carbon filters need to be replaced every 6-12 months depending on water quality and usage.
Fine/Mechanical Filtration
The next level up from carbon is mechanical or fine filtration with a pore size around 0.5-1 micron. At this level, filters can capture smaller particles including cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. They may consist of polypropylene, nylon, or other synthetic materials designed to physically trap microscopic contaminants.
Fine filters are suitable when your water contains higher levels of sediments. They are also needed to remove cysts if your source water arises from a surface source such as a lake or river where protozoan risks are greater. Finer filters have shallower beds and lower dirt capacities requiring more frequent cartridge changes.
Ultrafine Filtration
Ultrafine or sub-micron filters have pore sizes of 0.1-0.5 microns, one of the finest levels available for particulate removal. At this level, even viruses down to 0.02 microns can be filtered out. Ultrafine filters are made from tightly woven materials like hollow fiber or membrane designed to trap the tiniest of particles.
This level is necessary for completely clarifying biologically active water prone to bacterial growth. It can also benefit high-acidity water sources where dissolved metals may precipitate out. The trade-off is that ultrafine filters clog much faster due to their small pore size and may only last a few months depending on water quality.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are the gold standard for water purification but require considerable maintenance. With pore sizes of 0.0001-0.001 micrometers, ROblox virtually all dissolved salts and contaminants above the molecular level, delivering nearly distilled-quality water.
RO is overkill for most city or well water sources that just need sediment and chemical filtration. It’s best reserved for problem wells with high total dissolved solids, heavy metals, or other issues where all other options have been exhausted. RO systems require frequent membrane changes and produce wastewater during the rejection process.
In Summary
Understanding filtration terminology is key to choosing the appropriate level of treatment for your whole home system. Factoring in parameters like water source quality and intended uses enables selecting the filtration pore size adept at addressing your particular concerns. With reputable gear installed properly, whole home water filters deliver purified refreshment throughout every room hassle-free for years.