What is Brita Filtered Water?
Filtered water, particularly from popular brands like Brita, is water that has been passed through a physical filter to improve taste and reduce certain contaminants. Brita's pitcher filters typically use a combination of activated carbon and ion-exchange resin to achieve this. The activated carbon works to absorb organic compounds, which is effective at removing chlorine taste and odor. The ion-exchange resin helps to reduce some heavy metals like copper and mercury.
The primary purpose of a Brita filter is to make tap water more palatable and to address aesthetic issues. It is important to remember that these filters are designed to be used with water that is already considered microbiologically safe by municipal standards.
What Brita filters can reduce:
- Chlorine (taste and odor)
- Copper
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Lead (especially Elite filters)
- Some particulates
What Brita filters typically do not remove:
- Bacteria and viruses
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Nitrates
- Fluoride
- Hard water minerals
What is Purified Water?
Purified water, by contrast, is water that has been mechanically processed to remove a much broader range of impurities and contaminants. The result is a much higher level of purity compared to standard filtered water. The rigorous processes used for purification are designed to remove nearly all dissolved solids and microorganisms.
Common purification methods include:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that has very small pores. This membrane effectively blocks most contaminants, including microorganisms, dissolved solids, heavy metals, and some chemicals.
- Distillation: This method involves boiling water and collecting the condensed steam, which leaves most contaminants behind. It is highly effective but can also strip water of healthy minerals, giving it a flat taste.
- Deionization: Using ion-exchange resins, this chemical process removes mineral ions from the water. While effective for removing charged minerals, it does not remove non-ionic contaminants like bacteria.
Comparison Table: Brita Filter vs. Water Purification
| Feature | Brita Filtered Water | Purified Water |
|---|---|---|
| Purity Level | Low to moderate. Primarily for aesthetics and taste. | High. Removes up to 99.5% of contaminants. |
| Removal Method | Activated carbon and ion exchange resin in a sieve-like container. | Advanced processes like Reverse Osmosis, Distillation, or Deionization. |
| Removes Microorganisms? | No. Brita filters are not certified to remove bacteria or viruses. | Yes. Purification methods like RO and distillation effectively remove pathogens. |
| Removes Dissolved Solids? | No. Brita filters do not significantly reduce TDS. | Yes. A key function is removing most dissolved solids. |
| Cost | Relatively low initial cost and affordable filter replacements. | Higher initial investment for an RO system or distiller. |
| Minerals Retained? | Yes, retains minerals like calcium and magnesium. | Often removes beneficial minerals, though some systems offer remineralization. |
Is Filtered Water Good Enough for You?
The right choice for your household depends on your specific water quality and concerns. If your tap water is municipally treated and deemed safe by federal standards, a Brita filter is often a sufficient and affordable way to improve its taste and smell, while reducing some common contaminants like chlorine and lead.
However, for those with heightened concerns about a wider range of contaminants—such as bacteria from a well-water source, nitrates, or a significant presence of heavy metals—a more robust purification system like reverse osmosis is the more appropriate choice. It's crucial to first test your water to know exactly what you are dealing with before deciding on a filtration method. This will ensure you are selecting a system certified to address your specific water quality issues.
Conclusion
In summary, Brita filtered water is not the same as purified water. While a Brita filter uses basic filtration to enhance the aesthetic qualities of drinking water and reduce a limited range of contaminants, true purification involves advanced processes that eliminate nearly all impurities, including microorganisms and dissolved solids. For most city dwellers with safe tap water, a Brita is a great tool for taste improvement. For those with specific health concerns or untreated water, a purification system offers a far greater degree of safety and purity. Understanding the difference is the first step toward choosing the right solution for your household's drinking water needs.
Learn more about public water treatment processes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: How Water Treatment Works.
