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What exactly do faucet filters filter from regular tap water? Are they effective?

How does water run through a faucet filter differ from boiled water?

Also, what are the chances of bacterial growth on the filters?

Faucet filters mostly use either activated carbon or a ceramic porous filter, or even a combination of the two.

Activated carbon is basically charcoal combined with oxygen to give it space between the molecules so it has a greater surface area (1 gram of activated carbon has the surface area of two tennis courts!). When water passes through, bacteria and other organics, some minerals, and some salts are adsorbed by the carbon, and are either stuck there, or in the case of bacteria, they have no more nutrients to feed on so they die. Some minerals and salts pass through, but they are not unhealthy.

Ceramic filters work differently in that they have very small pores for the water to pass through, and larger molecules like bacteria, heavy metals, etc, can't make it through. Again though, the bacteria don't have nutrients to feed on any more.

Over time though, you have to replace these filters as they get "clogged" with all the buildup. Brita filters you have to replace every month or so, I'm not sure about faucet filters but it's probably along the same lines. It's cheaper to replace the whole thing than to wash it out.

It's different from boiled water because when you boil water, while it does kill the bacteria and parasites, you don't necessarily lose the heavy metals (although you might), but the water becomes deoxygenated and "flat," which can affect the taste.

2007-08-14 05:41:42 by gatorade

I have a similar problem. Since the net is lacking in complaints about this, we might be the only 2 unlucky ones... I got this one after a couple ...

I'm not looking to get into a debate of whether or not tap water in the US is safe or not! Please don't reply to tell me the water is ok...

I live in central PA and they're switching their water systems from using chlorine (which I wasn't thrilled about to begin with) to "chloramine".. Now all I drink is tap water and because of the medicine I'm on, I drink a LOT of it! We're also looking into having children and it would be an EXTREMELY high risk pregnancy, so It's really important to me to have out all excess chemicals as much as possible. (Heck I'm more worried about the chemicals than the bacteria now, thanks to the water company!)

However, we're also on a budget! What's the cheapest EFFECTIVE way to filter water- the kind that attaches to a faucet, the pitcher type, or is my best bet to stick with bottled water for drinking instead of playing with filters?

If you're going to be drinking LOTS of water then I'd go with the filter you attach to the faucet. It works great and they don't cost an arm and a leg. I have the Brita. The pitcher filters work ok, but it's a pain having to refill the pitcher all the time and then wait for it to filter through so you can drink it. The very best filters are usually the under the sink type, but they also cost the most.

2007-07-27 04:46:08 by DrkLashes

Price: $14.99

Quick and easy replacement
Improves water taste
Reduces lead, chlorine taste and odor, Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts

For about a 3 months now, we keep getting these very small pieces of what i think is calcium deposits in our water. In our kitchen and bathroom, where the faucets have aerator filters, I have to clean the filters about once a week or it will severely restrict our water flow in these faucets. I think maybe its because our hot water heater is getting old. Could it be something more serious though???

Hard water, If you get your water from a well or the city doesn't filter it a lot there are a lot of minerals in the water. Calcium is often found in water. So the minerals deposit of the inside of the pipes until a chunk breaks off. Only way I know of is to get a water softener. These usually use filters and or salts to reduce the minerals in the water.

2007-04-24 21:54:59 by Princess Leia

Price: $39.99

Enjoy filtered or unfiltered water at the flip of a switch
Built-in Electronic Filter Life Indicator keeps track of your filter life
Easy One-Click Installation

I can't seem to decide which is better. There just doesn't seem to be enough information. I want some real answers.

It is a matter of preference. I like the pitchers because I have a real good idea of how much water passes through it so I know when to change it. I also like that it is a drip system and not a pressure system, it just seems to be a better design.

2008-12-28 20:32:17 by david

I'm thinking about switching from buying water to filters cause I'm tired of going to the store each week and stocking up on water. I was wondering which one is better and more cleaner, the pitcher filter or faucet filter, or are they both the same? I'm gonna use this for drinking water so want the one that is cleanest. Thanks.

Generally, if you buy the right pitcher it is better that faucet. Faucet filters are too small, it is almost impossible to put anything but a generic two-stage cartridge (an 5- or so -micron and a carbon block, or possibly a KDF media). In water filtration, given similar cirumstances (same media), typically the larger cartridge does better job. But don't go out and buy Brita/PUR pitcher - these have cheap two-stage cartridges as well. Instead, I recomment Crystal Quest pitcher, a Consumer Digest magazine Best Buy 2006. It has a 4-stage cartridge which works wonders, and you won't have to run to the store for the cartridges every month.

2007-03-26 22:55:20 by Queen