Water filtration is the process of purifying water by removing contaminants, both from the water itself and those particles in it that may not be suitable for human consumption. The most common water filtration systems are reverse osmosis and carbon filtration. These methods can generally be separated into two main categories: distillation and absorption. In addition to being used for drinking water, these systems can also be used for washing industrial equipment, cooking and drying food, and for medical purposes.

Choosing a Water Filtration Expert

Reverse osmosis water filtration systems use pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing larger contaminants such as salt and certain minerals. During the reverse osmosis process, water passes through a small sieve, resulting in a thin film on the other side where smaller contaminants are filtered out. A reverse osmosis system generally removes impurities with a physical barrier, a natural chemical process, or an ion exchange process. While these systems generally produce cleaner water, there is no guarantee that the taste of it will remain the same, and some people prefer a slightly bitter taste in their beverages.

Absorption water filtration processes use a process in which water molecules are forced through a membrane, trapping any dissolved molecules that are too large to pass through. The process uses a smaller sized filter, usually a micron, to trap larger contaminants. These types of filters can be found in water filtration machines and filters designed specifically for home use. Carbon filters are often combined with absorption systems to remove small particles. The carbon particles can be collected later, sometimes in a form of ash. Ash filters provide a stable way to remove contaminants from household water without affecting the taste of it.