How Does Tap Water Get Filtered at Home?
A Guide to Filtration Methods
Filtered water is becoming a daily essential for many households, and the good news is that home filtration systems make it easy to enjoy clean, great-tasting water straight from the tap. But with so many options — carbon filters, reverse osmosis, UV, and more — how do you know which system is right for your home?
Here’s a simple, practical breakdown of how tap water can be filtered at home, what each method removes, and what to consider before choosing one.
1. Activated Carbon Filters
These are most commonly found in pitchers, faucet attachments, under-sink units, and refrigerator filters.
Carbon absorbs impurities as water passes through, trapping contaminants in its porous surface.
What it doesn’t remove:
Dissolved minerals
Heavy metals (fully)
Microorganisms
Nitrates
What it removes:
Chlorine
Sediment
Some pesticides & herbicides
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Improves taste and odour significantly
Cons:
Not effective against all contaminants
Cartridges need regular replacement
Pros:
Affordable and widely available
Improves taste and smell instantly
Easy installation
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
One of the most thorough household filtration systems. Water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane that removes extremely small particles.
What it doesn’t remove:
Some microorganisms without a UV/light disinfection stage
Beneficial minerals (they are stripped out too)
What it removes:
Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, chromium)
Fluoride
Nitrates
Microplastics
Most dissolved solids
Many bacteria and viruses (depending on system stage)
Cons:
Wastes some water in the process
Removes beneficial minerals
Requires installation and storage space
Pros:
Very high filtration capability
Excellent for homes with poor water taste or hardness
Consistent purification
3. UV (Ultraviolet) Water Purification
Used as a final disinfection step, often combined with RO or carbon systems. Water passes through a chamber where UV light kills microorganisms by disrupting their DNA.
What it doesn’t remove:
Sediment
Chemicals
Metals
Taste/odour issues
What it removes:
Bacteria
Viruses
Protozoa
Cons:
Water must be clear (no sediment)
Needs electricity
Requires bulb replacement annually
Pros:
Very effective against microbes
Chemical-free disinfection
Great when added to RO or carbon
4. Sediment Filters
First stage in many multi-step systems. A physical barrier catches particles such as sand, dirt, or rust.
What it doesn’t remove:
Chemicals
Microbes
What it removes:
Sand
Silt
Rust
Larger suspended particles
Cons:
Doesn’t treat chemicals or microbes
Pros:
Protects other filters
Essential for older buildings or tanks
Very low cost
5. Ion Exchange (Water Softening)
Used for reducing hardness, not purifying. Hard minerals (calcium, magnesium) are exchanged with sodium or potassium ions.
What it doesn’t remove:
Chemicals
Metals
Microorganisms
What it removes:
Mineral Impurities such as Calcium
Pros:
Reduces scale buildup
Protects appliances
Cons:
Doesn’t improve water safety
Requires salt refilling
Which System Should You Choose?
For everyday home use:
We recommend both Carbon and sediment filter for great taste, low cost, overall ideal for households with standard municipal water.
For maximum purification:
We recommend both Reverse Osmosis and UV filters. Both are excellent for families, cooking, baby formula, or areas where tap water taste/odor varies.
Bottom Line:
Filtered tap water is simple, safe, and far more sustainable than bottled water. Different homes need different solutions — but whether you choose carbon, RO, UV, or a combination, the benefits are immediate: better taste, fewer contaminants, and less plastic waste.
Making the switch isn’t just good for your home — it’s good for your city and the environment around you.