Cleaner Water with Activated Carbon

Many people today are concerned with removing pollutants and chemicals from water. The truth is that water is not as pure today as it was twenty years ago. For people who use a well or private pump to extract groundwater purification should be a concern. When water is purchased through a city water supply it is purified and tested on a regular basis. However, very few individuals have the resources available to test their water. Luckily, there is a new water treatment product called activated carbon which can remove pollutants and chemicals from water.




How does Activated Carbon Work?


Activated Carbon is a formed through a chemical process. The carbon can actually be made with the use of wood or nut shells. After the process is completed in the lab, the activated carbon has an absorption surface thousands of times bigger than the actual particle. One piece of carbon can have an absorption surface that is bigger than a football field. This makes small particles of activate carbon very effective at removing water contaminants. Once the carbon is activated it works similar to a magnet by drawing particles out of the water and holding them on the surface of the carbon.




How do Homeowners Use Activated Carbon?


There are a number of companies that offer activated carbon filtration systems. These systems can be attached directly to the water supply coming into the home or installed inside the home. However, there are also many types of activated carbon devices that can be used inside your home. Many companies now offer water pitchers or attachments that can be placed on the sink. These devices will filter the water after it has come through the pipes, and before it is poured into a glass. While these products work well to insure your drinking water is safe they will only filter the water passed through them. In order to purify all water that comes into your home you will have to place a filter on every faucet or tap.


Activated Carbon Filters vs. Iron Filters


There are many types of water filters on the market today. The two biggest sellers are activated carbon filters and iron filters. Iron filters work well if you are seeking to remove metals from your water supply. However, an iron filter does not remove bacteria or contaminates from the water. If you are concerned with removing things that can make you sick the only option is using a carbon activated filter. A carbon filter can remove over 99% of all bacterium found in a water source.


Who Needs to Use Activated Carbon Filters?


There are many people than can find use in an activated carbon filter. For those who live in an area where chemical run off or animal waste can be a problem, activated carbon filters are very effective. Homes located on a large farm could see a lot of bacteria removed from the water with this type of filter. However several public water supplies are now turning to this means of filtration as well. They are an affordable solution for removing waste from water.