Adsorption: With these filters the water is passed through carbon, charcoal, KDF (a copper and zinc product) and ceramics, with which liquids, gases and soluble elements are retained. These filters are the best at organic contaminants and chlorine and improve the taste of your water. They do not remove nitrates, some heavy metals and fluoride and can become a haven for bacteria if the parts are not replaced regularly.
Types: for the whole house and especially for the kitchen sink area, for the shower, for all appliances that work with water (refrigerator- coffee maker- washing machine), jugs with built-in filter, bottle with built-in filter.
Distillation: These systems heat water to boiling point and then collect the water vapor as it condenses, leaving many of the impurities behind, especially heavy metals. Some impurities that easily turn into gases, such as volatile organic chemicals, can be carried with the water vapor, so some distillation systems also use carbon filters to remove some of these impurities. These are better at removing inorganic contaminants such as heavy metals, nitrates, and hardness (ie calcium and magnesium). They can remove some bacteria. Some consumers complain that the water is tasteless after distillation. These filters will not remove chloramines.
Types: devices for use next to the sink.
Membranes: It can be a series of membranes or a membrane that traps a certain size of particles and lets all the rest pass through. The filter openings are usually larger than those of reverse osmosis membranes, and can be used in conjunction with other types of filters, such as UV. A “1 micron” filter will remove particles and most bacteria, cryptosporidia, and viruses.
Types: filters for the whole house.
Reverse osmosis: Reverse osmosis filters use the natural pressure of household tap water to force the water through a semi-permeable membrane, which separates contaminants from the water. They are the best solution for removing bacteria. However, for every three gallons that run through the filter, you will only get one gallon of water.
Types: filtration systems mainly for the kitchen sink.
UV : Specific treatment filters use UV light to disinfect water or reduce bacteria. They are the most effective at removing bacteria and viruses, but do not remove chemical contaminants.
Types: filters for the whole house.