How Do Water Filter Systems Work?

The definition of Filtration is the use of various mechanical, physical, or biological operations that separate solids from fluids (liquids or gases) by adding a medium through which only the fluid can pass.

There are several common methods which you may have heard of.

In practical water treatment terms, filtration systems consist of a cylinder containing a media through which the water is fed. Simple Granular Activated Carbon filters are the most common media used. Carbon, usually derived from coconut shell, offers a massive surface area which collects sediment and chlorine molecules so improving the clarity and taste of the water.

Some cartridges contain food grade polyphosphate which prevents scale sticking to the kettle element and scum forming on tea or coffee.

Filters for mains water supplies in domestic properties normally consist of an under-sink filter feeding to a specific drinking water tap which can be conveniently located on the side of the sink.

By installing an On Tap Drinking Water System not only do you have the benefits of great tasting water permanently ‘On Tap’ you can also dispense with the need to use a filter jug, which can inevitably clutter your worktop.

Under normal use, we recommend that filter cartridges are changed at least every 6 months, or sooner if the contaminant loading is high.

Filters cannot really be considered to be purifiers. A much higher level of filtration is required to achieve purification. An On Tap ‘Reverse Osmosis’ system is a practical way for domestic users to have a purified water supply at the kitchen sink. Using space age technology, water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane, contaminants are flushed to waste and the purified water is stored in a sterile pressurised storage tank. The stored water is fed through a final polishing filter on its way to that extra tap on the side of the sink.

A Reverse Osmosis unit will remove around 90% of the dissolved solids from your drinking water supply reducing such contaminants as Nitrates, Flouride, Sodium, Lead, Arsenic as well as Chlorine. The result is a convenient supply of high purity drinking water right at your sink.

If you have a private water supply it is not recommended to use the above systems on bacterially unsafe water without pre-treatment. If you have any doubts about the quality of your water supply call On Tap Water Treatment for obligation free advice, analysis and recommendations.

Private water supplies can present a wide variety of other contaminants which need specifically tailored solutions. To find out how to deal with your private water problems give us a call on 01458 274289.