A water filter system is an important choice, since water is vital to our every day existence and health. It is critical that the water that is taken in each day is pure and clear of harmful metals and chemicals that can damage the body and cause illness or disease. Drinking water filter systems come in different forms, depending on the type of filtration needed or desired, so there are different factors to be considered when considering buying a water filter system.

Types of Filtration

One type of water filter system is the absorption filters. These filters are usually carbon based or are granularly activated charcoal systems. These systems remove or reduce different chemicals and particles from the water, in addition to some organic matter. If chlorine is a problem, this type of filtration system works well. It also helps to reduce or remove pesticides from water sources if that is a problem.

Another type of water filter system is the particle filter, which is also called either a mechanical filter or a micro filtration unit. This type of filter removes particles from the water source, such as sand and harmful bacteria. This type of filter also can help to remove certain pathogens such as Giardia from water supplies, and is a type of filtration system that is often used when camping or backpacking.

Often, the absorption and particle filters are used in conjunction with each other so that more materials and bacteria can be removed from the water. The problem with these systems is that the filters can get clogged with prolonged use, so the manufacturer's recommendations for changing the filters must be strictly followed for ideal filtration. In addition, the filters themselves can release microbial growth into the water if they are not changed often enough, leading to additional pollutants in the water.

Reverse osmosis water filtration systems use a membrane that has microscopic holes in it that only allow water molecules to pass through it, thus catching the pollutants in the water. This type of system is great for catching chemicals in the water, as well as minerals and metals that can be harmful to humans.

In addition, things such as arsenic and fluoride can also be caught by this system. The down side of this type of water filter system is that the membrane is delicate and chlorine removal is sometimes required as a pre-treatment before the water hits the reverse osmosis system.