Water filtration is a general term that refers to any system or process that is used to filter out particles

and pollutants from water. It doesn't necessarily need to be a purifier to make the cut. Anything that
removes any amount of particles, sediment, bacteria, and the chlorine taste can be called water
filtration. If it has a filter of any type, it's a filtration system.

Types of Filtration

Filtration systems can include activated carbon charcoal filters either designed within a pitcher or
included as part of a faucet-mount or tap-installed filter, ultraviolet (UV) light units, reverse osmosis,
water distillers (whole system or portable counter), or another form of water treatment process. The
term incorporates home filter systems, as well as much larger scale municipal or public water treatment
plants. Some appliances are also designed with water filtration features such as refrigerator models
which come with onboard filtered water/ice or freestanding water cooler/dispensers.

There are many different types of water filters available, and your buying decisions will be influenced by
the present condition of your water. If it's not potable, you'll need a process to remove or destroy
harmful bacteria, minerals, and pollutants for starters. Your local water expert is the best professional to
help you evaluate your choices.

Once water testing has confirmed what is in your water, you will be given remedy options to make your
drinking water safe (potable). Installation requirements and costs will be discussed, based on needs and
whether you own your home or not. Today, there are many choices, and these systems are much more
affordable than they were a decade ago.

Keep It Clean

Whether you choose a small filter or a large unit, maintenance is key to keeping that system working
efficiently. That means routine filter changes by yourself or by your chosen water specialist. If you have
hard water or, for some reason, there is more sediment and particles in your water, it may require more
frequent filter changes. Being proactive with care is an important part of any filtration process. Water
filtration systems differ in size, price, installation, and efficiency, but they all in some way improve our
water's quality.

What is Hard Water?

When water runs through limestone or chalk, it can build up a deposit of minerals, including magnesium
and calcium. Water with a high concentration of such minerals is known as hard water.

Home Filters

Water does not need to qualify as not being potable to benefit from some filtration system. One of the
biggest consumer concerns is the chlorine taste left by town water treatment plants. It's a necessary evil
that results from measures taken to make your drinking water safe. You can, however, add an
economical and simple filter system to reduce that if you wish to. A good alternative is also keeping a
filtered water pitcher in the refrigerator.

Note that not all carbon filters, or larger units, have the same efficiency. There are differences in
filtration layers or stages, as well as in the quality of materials. That's where the product details should
be reviewed, so you know what the product will do for your water.

The Pur New Advanced Faucet-Mount Water Filter featured is a good example of a simple measure to
improve the quality of water. This is a popular choice for many because of its performance, easy install
and affordable price.