4 Types of Water Filters to Consider for Your Home

Types of Water Filtration Systems

Sediment Filters

Sediment filters reduce particulate matter like sand, silt, dirt, rust, and other debris from water. If present in water, these particles are highly visible, leaving water looking cloudy or discolored. As water flows through the porous mesh material, suspended particles are trapped by the filter material. This kind of filter is often combined with other systems to serve as a pre-filter stage, extending the longevity of other filters. 

Carbon Filters

Carbon filters are one of the most common kinds of filter media and are included in many different treatment systems. Extremely porous, carbon captures impurities and chemicals like chlorine, chloramine, volatile organic compounds, total trihalomethanes, and haloacetic acids. Carbon filters work due to adsorption, which occurs because carbon has a natural attraction to organic compounds and some chemicals. As water passes through the filter, contaminants become caught in carbon pores, allowing cleaner water to flow through. 

Ultraviolet Filters

Ultraviolet (UV) filters use UV light to kill potentially harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or parasites without chemicals. Water passing through the lamp chamber is exposed to UV light. This disrupts microbial DNA, preventing them from reproducing. Without the ability to replicate, these microorganisms die. UV filters don’t alter water taste, odor, pH, or conductivity. Because they only treat microorganisms, they are often used in combination with other filters to ensure a system addresses a full range of contaminants. 

Reverse Osmosis Filters

Reverse osmosis (RO) filters are a point-of-use system. They use a semi-permeable membrane to significantly reduce contaminants in water. Kind Water’s RO system includes a six-stage filtration process, including a sediment pre-filter and granular activated carbon (GAC) filter to thoroughly lower chemical and suspended solid content in water. Our system also includes remineralization filters to add healthy minerals back for optimal taste and health benefits. 

 

Learn More About RO Systems 

 

With concerns about tap water safety high, many homeowners are seeking out water filtration methods to improve home water quality. A 2022 survey from Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database found that half of respondents believe their tap water is unsafe. Those fears do have some foundation, as the last American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) report graded the United States’ water infrastructure a C-. 

The global water purifier market is projected to grow by approximately 11% annually, reaching around $120.38 billion by 2032. This significant growth highlights the increasing demand for clean and safe water over the next decade. There are several different types of water filtration systems available for home use. However, it’s important to understand how these systems work and what contaminants they address before purchasing. 

How to Choose Between Types of Home Water Treatment Systems

There are many types of water filter systems available. To narrow down which is right for your home, you’ll need to know where your water comes from and what contaminants are present. You’ll also need to choose between point-of-use and point-of-entry filtration systems. 

City vs. Well Water 

City water supplies are typically safe for consumption, as municipalities treat water before it enters your home. However, city water is chemically treated with chlorine and contains other additives. Treatment facilities can also fail during large-scale power outages or severe weather conditions, leaving water compromised. Infrastructure failures mean treated water can become contaminated before it reaches homes. Homeowners with private wells are responsible for treating their water, which may require a variety of treatment options to fully address all contaminants. 

Contaminants 

Before you purchase a filter, it’s important to know what contaminants are present in your water. If you rely on public water, contact your local municipality for a water report. Those with private wells must pay for testing, which can be conducted and sent to a certified laboratory. 

 

Test your water with Kind Water’s Water Test and Survey 

 

Point of Use vs. Point of Entry

As you shop around, you’ll likely see filters designated as either point-of-use or point-of-entry. Point-of-use filters treat a specific fixture or faucet. They are typically installed right under the fixture they filter, such as a kitchen or bathroom sink. Point-of-entry filters are whole house water filters, meaning they treat all water coming into the home.