What Kind of Water is Considered Filtered Water?

According to the EPA, while municipal tap water is regulated, it can still contain trace contaminants that affect taste and quality. This makes understanding what kind of water is considered filtered water essential for those seeking cleaner, safer drinking water right from the tap.

Quick Summary

Filtered water is tap or groundwater that has undergone a process to reduce or remove impurities. This is achieved through various methods, such as activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and UV purification, which affect what contaminants are removed.

Key Points

• Defining Filtered Water: Filtered water is treated to remove impurities, unlike tap water, but it differs from purified or distilled water by often retaining beneficial minerals.

• Filtration Methods Vary: Common methods include Activated Carbon for taste and odor, Reverse Osmosis for broad contaminant removal, and UV Purification for microbial disinfection.

• Filter Choice Depends on Needs: Selecting the right filter requires assessing your specific water quality concerns, such as chemical taste, heavy metals, or microbial risks.

• Benefits Extend Beyond Taste: Using filtered water offers advantages like reduced contaminant exposure, environmental sustainability, and extended appliance lifespan.

• Cost-Effective and Convenient: A home filtration system is a more economical long-term solution than regularly buying single-use bottled water.

• Check for Certifications: Look for filters certified by reputable organizations like NSF International to ensure effectiveness against claimed contaminants.

The Essentials of Filtered Water

At its core, filtered water is any water that has been treated to remove impurities, contaminants, and undesirable substances. This process, known as filtration, physically or chemically reduces the presence of certain elements to improve the water's safety, odor, and taste. The effectiveness and type of contaminants removed depend entirely on the filtration method used. From simple, at-home pitcher filters to complex, whole-house systems, the options for obtaining clean, filtered water are numerous.

Defining Filtered Water

Defining what kind of water is considered filtered water involves understanding that 'filtered' is a broad term, not a single standard. Unlike distilled water, which is stripped of nearly all minerals, filtered water often retains beneficial minerals while removing targeted impurities. This balance can lead to a more refreshing taste and greater health benefits for daily hydration. The choice to use a water filter is a proactive step many households take to gain more control over their drinking water quality, moving beyond what standard municipal treatment provides.

How Filtration Systems Work

Water filtration is not a one-size-fits-all process. The underlying mechanism varies greatly among different types of filters:

• Physical Trapping: Filters with tiny pores, like sediment and ceramic filters, physically block and trap larger particles as water passes through.
• Chemical Adsorption: Filters using activated carbon work by chemically binding contaminants like chlorine, pesticides, and VOCs to the surface of the carbon medium.
• Semi-Permeable Membranes: In reverse osmosis, water is forced through a fine membrane that allows water molecules to pass but blocks larger, dissolved solids, heavy metals, and chemicals.
• Germicidal Action: UV purification systems use ultraviolet light to inactivate or destroy microorganisms like bacteria and viruses without removing physical contaminants.

Common Types of Water Filters

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon is one of the most common and accessible filtration methods, used in everything from pitcher filters to faucet-mounted systems. These filters contain porous carbon that uses adsorption to attract and trap chemical impurities. They are particularly effective at removing chlorine, improving the taste and smell of tap water significantly. However, they do not remove minerals, dissolved solids, or certain inorganic contaminants like lead unless combined with other technologies.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

For comprehensive purification, a reverse osmosis system is often recommended. RO systems use pressure to push water through a semi-permeable membrane, effectively filtering out a very wide range of contaminants. This includes heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, nitrates, fluoride, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Most RO systems are multi-stage, incorporating carbon pre-filters and post-filters for maximum effectiveness. While they are highly efficient, they can be slower and produce wastewater during the process.

UV Purification

Ultraviolet (UV) purification is a disinfection method that uses UV light to destroy the DNA of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It is an excellent option for sanitizing water, especially from private wells where microbial contamination is a concern. However, a UV system must be paired with other filters, like a sediment or carbon filter, as it does not remove physical or chemical contaminants.

Sediment Filters

Serving as the first line of defense in many multi-stage filtration systems, sediment filters physically block and trap larger particles like dirt, rust, sand, and other debris. They are crucial for protecting more sensitive filters further down the line from clogging, which extends the life and efficiency of the entire system. While they improve water clarity, they do not remove chemicals or microorganisms.

Ion Exchange

Ion exchange is a process used in water softeners to remove hard water minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for limescale buildup. In this process, unwanted ions are exchanged for more desirable ones, typically sodium. While it addresses water hardness, it is not a complete filtration method and is often used in conjunction with other filter types.

Comparison of Common Filtration Methods

To help you decide which system is right for you, here is a comparison of the most common household filtration methods:

Feature	Activated Carbon Filter	Reverse Osmosis (RO) System	UV Purification System
Contaminant Removal	Chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, and unpleasant odors.	Broad range, including heavy metals, nitrates, fluoride, TDS, and bacteria.	Bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Removes Minerals?	No, retains beneficial minerals.	Yes, removes most minerals along with contaminants.	No, retains minerals and other physical/chemical contaminants.
Taste Improvement?	Yes, excellent taste improvement.	Yes, produces very clean-tasting water.	No, but preserves existing taste.
Effectiveness	Good for taste and odor issues.	Excellent for nearly all contaminants.	Excellent for microbial disinfection.
Typical Applications	Pitchers, faucet mounts, under-sink units.	Under-sink systems, whole-house units.	Well water systems, pre-treatment stage.

The Benefits of Using Filtered Water

Beyond simply answering what kind of water is considered filtered water, it's important to recognize the benefits. Using a home water filtration system offers several key advantages:

• Improved Taste and Odor: Filtration effectively removes chlorine and sulfur, resulting in water that tastes and smells fresher and cleaner. This can encourage people to drink more water and stay better hydrated.
• Reduced Contaminant Exposure: Although tap water is regulated, filters provide an extra layer of protection by removing specific contaminants that may be present, like lead from old pipes or emerging contaminants like PFAS.
• Environmental Sustainability: Using a home filtration system significantly reduces the need for single-use plastic water bottles, minimizing plastic waste and lowering your carbon footprint.
• Appliance Protection: Filtered water can reduce limescale and mineral buildup in appliances like coffee makers, kettles, and dishwashers, extending their lifespan and improving their efficiency.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Over time, the cost of a home water filtration system and replacement filters is significantly lower than continually purchasing bottled water.

Conclusion

So, what kind of water is considered filtered water? Ultimately, it's any water that has undergone a process to remove or reduce contaminants, resulting in a cleaner, safer, and better-tasting product. The specific type of filter used, whether activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or UV, determines which impurities are addressed. The best choice depends on your specific water quality concerns and budget. By understanding the different filtration methods and their benefits, you can make an informed decision and take control of your household's drinking water quality, benefiting both your health and the environment.

For more detailed information on specific water pollutants and health risks, refer to resources from reputable organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency. A great resource is the EPA's website on drinking water standards, which can help you understand the contaminants your local water utility may be monitoring.

Choosing the Right Filtration System

When selecting a system, consider your primary concerns. If you dislike the taste of chlorine, an activated carbon filter is a simple and effective choice. For well water or concerns about microorganisms, a UV system provides crucial disinfection. If you are worried about a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals and dissolved solids, an RO system offers the most comprehensive treatment. Always research filters certified by organizations like NSF International to ensure they meet stringent quality and performance standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is filtered water the same as purified water?

No. Filtered water has passed through a filter to remove certain contaminants but may retain beneficial minerals. Purified water goes through more extensive processes, like distillation or reverse osmosis, to remove almost all contaminants and minerals, leaving it exceptionally pure.

What does a basic carbon filter remove from water?

A basic activated carbon filter is highly effective at removing impurities that cause bad taste and odor, such as chlorine, chloramine, and certain organic compounds. It does not typically remove heavy metals, fluoride, or dissolved solids unless specifically designed to do so.

Does filtered water remove fluoride?

Most standard activated carbon filters do not remove fluoride. To remove fluoride, you need a more advanced system, such as a reverse osmosis (RO) system or a filter using activated alumina.

Is drinking filtered water healthier than tap water?

Drinking filtered water is often considered healthier than tap water because it can remove trace contaminants that tap water, even if regulated, may contain. It can provide an extra layer of protection and improved taste.

How often should I change my water filter?

The frequency of changing your water filter varies depending on the type of filter, the volume of water filtered, and the manufacturer's recommendations. Common filters may need changing every 2-6 months, but always check your product's specific instructions.

What is the best way to remove heavy metals like lead from water?

For removing heavy metals like lead, a reverse osmosis (RO) system is one of the most effective options. It uses a semi-permeable membrane to block and remove a broad range of impurities, including heavy metals.

Does filtering water remove beneficial minerals?

It depends on the filtration method. Basic carbon filters often retain beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium. Advanced systems like reverse osmosis remove most minerals along with contaminants, though some systems offer re-mineralization stages.