Water Filters and Purifers

TREATMENT DEVICE

WHAT IT DOES TO WATER

TREATMENT LIMITATIONS

Activated Carbon Filter
(includes mixed media that
remove heavy metals)

Adsorbs organic contaminants that
cause taste and odor problems.

Somedesigns remove chlorination
byproducts;

Some types remove cleaning solvents
and pesticides

Is efficient in removing metals such
as lead and copper

Does not remove nitrate, bacteria or
dissolved minerals

Ion Exchange Unit
(with activated alumina)

Removes minerals, particularly calcium
and magnesium that make water “hard”

Some designs remove radium and barium
Removes fluoride

If water has oxidized iron or iron  bacteria, the ion-exchange resin will
become coated or clogged and lose its softening ability

Reverse Osmosis Unit
(with carbon)

Removes nitrates, sodium, other dissolved inorganics and organic compounds

Removes foul tastes, smells or colors

May also reduce the level of some pesticides, dioxins and chloroform and
petrochemicals

Does not remove all inorganic and organic contaminants

Distillation Unit

Removes nitrates, bacteria, sodium, hardness, dissolved solids, most organic compounds, heavy metals, and radionucleides

Kills bacteria

Does not remove some volatile organic contaminants, certain pesticides and volatile solvents

Bacteria may recolonize on the cooling coils during inactive periods