Water filters are widely regarded as a necessity in Australian homes. While chemicals like chlorine are vital for keeping waterborne pathogens and dangerous bacteria out of our tap water, their presence significantly impacts the taste, smell, and overall experience of our water.
Installing a water filtration system is a practical solution that maintains the benefits of chemically disinfected water without putting all those chemical disinfectants into your body. Filtering out chemicals and sediments makes a noticeable difference to your water quality for drinking, cooking, or everyday household use.
However, with so many different types of water filters available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide explores the eight most common types of water filters, how they work, and their suitability for different needs. Whether you are researching different water filter systems, looking to better understand a recent purchase, or just wondering, “how do water filters work”, this article will provide the insights you need to understand exactly what is happening to your water.
1: Activated Carbon Filters
How they work
Activated carbon filters use porous carbon material to trap contaminants through adsorption—a process where pollutants stick to the surface of carbon particles rather than being absorbed into them like a sponge. The “activated” part of their name refers to a chemical treatment the carbon particles have undergone to help them adsorb particles more efficiently and effectively. These filters are highly effective for removing chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and bad tastes or odours from water.
Applications
Activated carbon is a very popular filtration medium, as lower grades of carbon can produce effective and inexpensive filters for air or water. Carbon or charcoal filters are commonly found in countertop filters, filter jug cartridges, under-sink systems, and even whole-home water filtration systems. They are ideal for improving taste and odour and reducing chlorine levels, making them a popular choice for Australian households.
2: Reverse Osmosis Purifiers
How they work
Reverse osmosis (RO) systems use a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities at a molecular level. Water is forced through the membrane with pores so small that only water molecules can get through, leaving behind impurities like heavy metals, fluoride, nitrates, and more.
Applications
RO systems are perfect for homeowners looking for highly purified tap water. Often combined with activated carbon filters, RO systems are commonly used for stripping as many impurities out of your drinking water as possible.
However, the RO process is quite slow and produces a large amount of wastewater. While it is one of the most thorough and effective methods of filtration, it is not suitable or sustainable for large-scale or whole-home systems.
3: Ultraviolet (UV) Filters
How they work
UV filters use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in water. The UV rays penetrate the cell walls of these microorganisms, rendering them inactive and preventing waterborne illnesses.
Applications
UV filters are a chemical-free solution for disinfection, making them an excellent choice for homes relying on untreated water sources like rainwater tanks or private wells. However, they do not remove chemicals, sediments, or heavy metals, so they are typically combined with other filtration methods. The UV lights also require a constant power supply, making them slightly less versatile than filters that run entirely on gravity or water pressure.
4: Ceramic Filters
How they work
Ceramic filters are made from natural ceramic materials with microscopic pores that trap bacteria, protozoa, and sediments. These filters rely on physical filtration to block contaminants rather than breaking them down with a chemical reaction or UV treatment.
Applications
Ideal for rural areas or homes using untreated water, ceramic filters are effective against pathogens but often need to be combined with additional filtration systems to address chemical contaminants.
5: Ion Exchange Filters
How they work
Ion exchange resin is one of the only filtration media that can remove dissolved particles like excess calcium and magnesium from your water. It uses a chemical process to replace unwanted ions in the water with harmless alternatives (e.g. absorbing minerals that cause limescale and hard water damage, then replacing them with sodium ions).
Applications
Ion exchange filters are typically used as dedicated water softeners to reduce scale build-up in pipes and appliances, extending their lifespan. While excellent for softening water, they are less effective for physical filtration or removing unwanted chemicals, so they are typically used in combination with other filters for drinking water systems.
6: Gravity Water Filters
How they work
Gravity water filters rely on the force of gravity (as opposed to incoming water pressure) to pass water through various filtration stages. They usually include ceramic, activated carbon, or sediment filters to remove impurities.
Applications
Portable and easy to use, gravity filters are perfect for outdoor use or emergency situations. While not quite on the level of reverse osmosis, the slow filtration process of benchtop gravity filters allows for more thorough removal of impurities; the longer the water is in contact with the filtration media, the more contaminants break down and get caught in the filter.
However, most filters are not designed to make non-potable water safe for consumption, so even these thorough filters should only be used to improve the quality of water that you are confident is safe to drink (e.g. running river water, chemically treated tap water).
7: Distillation Systems
How they work
Distillation involves heating water until it becomes steam, leaving impurities behind. The steam is then condensed back into liquid form, producing purified water. This was one of the first methods of water purification ever developed, with ancient civilisations using the sun’s heat to evaporate pools of water and recapture the steam for drinking (or to separate salt from seawater).
Applications
Distillation is a true purification process, completely removing contaminants and impurities from your water. However, distillation is not usually the most practical or beneficial treatment for household drinking water; it is slow, energy-intensive, and strips away the healthy minerals that keep our drinking water alkaline. Distilled water is more commonly used for industrial, scientific, or cleaning purposes than everyday household uses.
8: Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems
How they work
Whole-home water filtration systems are comprehensive solutions installed at the point of entry, filtering all water entering your home. These systems typically combine multiple filtration technologies, such as sediment filters, ion exchange resins, activated carbon, and UV disinfection.
Applications
Perfect for Australian families looking to protect every tap in the house, these systems ensure clean water for drinking, bathing, and water-using appliances. They can address a wide range of unwanted chemicals and contaminants, from sediments to chlorine and microorganisms.
Choosing the Right Water Filter
When deciding on a water filtration system, it is important to consider the following factors:
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- Water Quality: Test your water to identify specific contaminants like chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, or bacteria. Some impurities (like chloramine or excess calcium) may require specific types of water filters.
- Usage Needs: Do you need filtered water for drinking, cooking, or whole-home use? Will you need the water to be filtered as soon as you turn on the tap, or are you willing to wait for a filtered tank/jug to finish its process?
- Budget: Some systems, like reverse osmosis, may have higher upfront costs but provide superior filtration.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. Choose a system with manageable upkeep requirements (or buy from a company that offers technician-assisted maintenance).
- Water Quality: Test your water to identify specific contaminants like chlorine, sediment, heavy metals, or bacteria. Some impurities (like chloramine or excess calcium) may require specific types of water filters.
At Complete Home Filtration, we specialise in whole-home water filtration systems tailored to the needs of Australian households. Our systems combine cutting-edge technology with reliable performance to deliver safe, high-quality water throughout your home.
Why Water Filtration Matters in Australia
Australia faces unique challenges when it comes to water quality. While municipal water is treated to be safe, it often contains chlorine, sediment, and other impurities that affect taste and may impact long-term health. Additionally, many rural and remote areas rely on untreated water sources, which may contain bacteria, viruses, or heavy metals.
Investing in a water filtration system not only improves water taste and safety but also protects your home’s plumbing and appliances. Whether you’re concerned about hard water, chemical contaminants, or microbial threats, there’s a water filter system to suit your needs.
Which filter is best for your home?
Water filtration systems are an investment in your health, home, and quality of life. From under-sink activated carbon filters for improving taste to whole-home systems for comprehensive protection, understanding how water filters work empowers you to choose the best solution for your household.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of whole-home water filtration, contact Complete Home Filtration today. Our experts are here to help you find the perfect system tailored to your unique needs.
Clean water starts here—experience the difference with Complete Home Filtration! Send us a message below or call our team on 1300 693 458
