Carbon Water Filtration Systems

Carbon Water Filtration Systems

Are you interested in improving the flavor and quality of your tap water? You may want to consider purchasing a carbon water filtration system.

These systems are easy to install, relatively inexpensive, and cover the basic functions of filtration.

Water filter charcoal medium carbon is derived from coconut husk, and it is extremely absorbent of impurities.

These kind of systems are also popular. It is estimated that among residences using some kind of water filtration system, 95% utilize carbon filtration.

They are simple to install, relatively economical, and depending on micron level, will filter out the most deadly of contaminants, Cryptosporidium and Guardia.

How Long Do They Last?

Good question. Here's the answer: it depends on the amount of usage and the amounts of pollutants in the source water. An average charcoal filter will last a family between 3 and 6 months.

But if you live in my thirsty family of 6, they last about 6 - 8 weeks.

Since filters reduce in efficiency the longer they are in use, regular filter replacement is important.

Types Of Filters

Some charcoal filters are enhanced by the use of activated nano-silver, which provides extra antibacterial protection, killing around 650 known types of organisms.

If you live in an area where sediment is a problem, you may want to add a second separate in-line sediment prefilter. This will keep your charcoal filter from clogging up before its normal lifespan.

Charcoal water filters come in various forms:

a. Carbon Block is a solidified form of honeycombed carbon. It is the best form of filter but flow rate is significantly slower than with loose charcoal.

b. Activated Silver Impregnated Charcoal. Sometimes called Chlorgon, this adds chloramine exclusion and bacteria killing ability to the basic carbon.

c. Micron Rating.

Anything 1 micron rating or below will inhibit Cryptosporidium and Guardia as the cysts are larger than this in size. Viruses cannot be inhibited by a filter with a micron rating of more than 0.01 microns.

A Couple Of Warnings:

Carbon filters will not change the pH balance of your water, so if start with acidic water, you will still end with acidic water.

Also, keep in mind that carbon filters may be susceptible to mold if left unused over extended periods. Filters gather the "garbage" in your tap water, and the organic component of this garbage is quite capable of rotting. If you add a little summer humidity to the already damp internals of a carbon filter, you have the elements required for a mold attack.

Taste will always be the deciding factor, and if the taste of the water suddenly changes after an extended period of non-use, such as a long vacation, change the filter.