Water filtration systems use filters to remove contaminants from water. Water filters may be built into a pitcher; mounted to a faucet, on a countertop, or under the sink; built into a refrigerator, or attached to the house’s water line. Since no single filter can remove every undesirable substance, water filtration systems often use a series of multiple filters.  

A water filter’s effectiveness is inversely related to the size of its pores. Microfiltration filters (.1 micron) very effectively remove protozoa, and somewhat effectively remove bacteria. Ultrafiltration filters (.01 micron) are even more effective at removing protozoa and bacteria, and somewhat effectively remove viruses. Nanofiltration filters (.001 micron) have the same capacity as ultrafiltration filters–and very effectively remove viruses, but are only moderately effective in removing chemicals.

Water filtration can also be part of the multi-step process of water purification, which also includes reverse osmosis. Water filtration removes particles; reverse osmosis can remove smaller particles, plus minerals or other substances dissolved in the water.

Freedom Plumbing and Drain can help you determine what you need to remove from your water and the most appropriate water filtration systems to accomplish that.