Water filters are specifically designed to remove contaminants from your water supply. If you notice a chlorine taste, unpleasant odor, or suspect other water quality issues, it may be time to evaluate whether a filtration system is needed. Water filters are recommended for reducing harmful substances such as sediment, lead, chlorine, and other pollutants. Common filtration methods include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and sediment filtration—each targeting different types of contaminants to improve the safety, taste, and overall quality of your water.
Activated Carbon Filters
Carbon filters operate through a process called adsorption (not to be confused with absorption). As water flows into the filter, it passes through a bed of activated carbon, usually made from materials like coconut shells or coal that have a porous, high surface area structure. Having a porous high surface area maximizes the ability to adsorb contaminants efficiently. As the water moves through the media, pollutants and contaminants are trapped on the surface on the carbon through adsorption which means the impurities cline to the carbon. The adsorption process results in clean and better tasting water with reduced levels of Chlorine, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), bad tastes and orders and certain types of pesticides and herbicides.
Being highly porous is an important characteristic of filters as it means that there are millions of microscopic holes and channels for the water to pass through. This in turn can create a larger surface area which in turn creates more space for contaminants to stick to the carbon as the water flows through it. A more porous media can trap more impurities like chlorine, VOCs, odors and other chemical residues. With more space to trap pollutants will extend the filter life and can last longer than a less porous media.
Activated Carbon Filters do not remove minerals such as calcium and magnesium which are two of the main minerals causing high levels of water hardness. Review our water softener section if you are interested in lowering the water hardness level.
Activated Carbon Filter are best for improving the taste, odor of water while removing chlorine and some chemicals. Activated Carbon Filters are affordable, can improve the water quality and good for municipal water sources with known treatment. But Activated Carbon Filters do have limitations in that it does not purify water completely and needs regular maintenance. The next level of filtration is a reverse osmosis point of use unit.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems are best for comprehensive water purification and contaminant removal. Reverse osmosis systems are ideal for households that have well water or questionable municipal sources. Reverse osmosis systems are effective at removing heavy metals, nitrates, fluoride, bacteria, and minerals. Reverse osmosis systems have some limitations but can be easily overcome by coupling it with a carbon filter.
Reverse osmosis systems are multistage filtration systems. First water passes through one or more pre-filters that remove larger particles, chlorine, sand and other contaminants that could damage the reverse osmosis membrane. Using positive pressure, the water is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane has microscopic pores that allow only pure water molecules to pass through. The pores of the membrane are so small that it blocks heavy metals such as lead and arsenic, dissolved salts, fluoride, some bacteria and viruses. An optional upgrade could be to install a post-carbon filter to improve the tase of the water. The contaminants that do not pass through the membrane are flushed away through a drain line like brine or wastewater.
When properly installed and maintained, reverse osmosis systems can remove 95% – 99% of total dissolved solids. The water produces clean water that can be used for drinking and cooking. If your local municipal water system does not have the highest quality water installing a reverse osmosis system under your kitchen sink is an important upgrade to your water system that all household members can immediately benefit from.
Reverse osmosis systems are less effective at removing VOCs (carbon pre-filters) and some pesticides (carbon prefilter).
Sediment Filters
If your household primary concern is removing physical particles and not chemicals or dissolved contaminants and pollutants, then a sediment filter is your best option. Sediment filters are best suited for removing large particles that would clog other filters. If you are noticing or experiencing water that is cloudy, has sand or other dirt particles, a sediment filter should be your first treatment of your water.
Sediment filters are typically the first line of defense of your water systems and is essential in preventing the clogging of your water treatment systems. Properly installing a sediment filter will extend the life expectancy of activated carbon filter and reverse osmosis systems.
When choosing a reverse osmosis or activated carbon filtration system, it’s important to consider not just the product, but also the warranty and ongoing support provided by the manufacturer and installer. With proper care and routine maintenance, a quality filtration system can deliver clean, reliable water for 10 years or more. At Bluebonnet Waste and Water, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of activated carbon filters and reverse osmosis systems throughout Magnolia, Tomball, Spring, The Woodlands, and Conroe. Every new installation includes a 2-year labor warranty and qualifies for our 5-Year Worry Free Program, which provides professional servicing, filter replacements, and peace of mind—so you can focus on your family, not your water system.
Filter Overview
| Impurity Removal | Best Filter Type |
| Dirt, Sand, Silt, Rust | Sediment Filter |
| Chlorine, Odors, VOCs | Activated Carbon Filter |
| Heavy metals, fluoride, salts | Reverse Osmosis System |
Pictures:
Reverse Osmosis Cutaway
Reverse Osmosis Installation
Mother and Daughter filling glass with RO water
Carbon Filter Installation