Most homes, dorms, and offices across America have some sort of carbon water filter unit. These types of units are usually the cheapest and easily available systems for treating your drinking supply. However, they aren't enough to remove all of the harmful contaminants from your water...here is what you need to know.

Carbon and sediment filters are important because what comes out of the pipes usually contains organic compounds that should not be there. Certain areas of the country have a high iron content in the drinking supply, especially if it is delivered via clay pipes, and these natural compounds affect the taste and qualify of the drinking supply.

A carbon water filters purifier also removes other compounds. Chlorine is the more prevalent chemical because it is a cheap sanitizer; unfortunately it is not that effective. A carbon water filter removes this chemical along with other substances such as lead and agricultural waste products which often come out of our faucets.

Carbon and sediment filters work through several processes. Small particles are caught by fine holes in the strainer. The process known as “adsorption” removes molecularly smaller particles and chemicals by causing them to adhere to the surface of a solid (carbon in this case). Activated carbon is typically the product used in these types of systems, either in granulated or solid form. In general, this element is the most widely used product for treating water and is known for its qualities in this regard.

However, depending solely on a carbon water filters purifier for a safe drinking supply is not the best idea. The effectiveness and safety of this type of system depends on several factors. The most effective filter has higher amounts of activated carbon and processes H20 longer; not all products do this. These products must be replaced often, and the longer they are used, the more clogged they will become and the more bacteria and chemicals can pass through. Additionally, bacteria can grow freely in carbon and be released into the drinking supply.

This is why purchasing a carbon and sediment filter that is part of a larger, multi-step processing unit is the best way to ensure that everything you drink is safe. Multi-step units usually contain carbon, ceramic, and/or metal to strain out all chemicals and particles. An ion exchange may take place, replacing lead ions with potassium. Additionally ionizing water purifiers provide further benefit by dividing H20 into two separate types of water – the ionized water is easier to absorb and contains electrodes which fight the damage done by free radicals. A multi-step carbon water filters purifier will usually have many or all of these aspects.

A carbon water filter as part of a several step purifier makes use of all the benefits of this natural compound but adds additional compounds and steps to ensure that every last unwanted substance is removed from the water. If the carbon water filter becomes clogged and some chemicals slip past, other substances in the system will be there to stop the contaminants. Rely solely on carbon, and you may be only stopping some of the contaminants and may be actually adding bacteria to your glass.

Martin Spencer is a health researcher who has been studying water filtration for over 25 years. He is a regular contributor to Water Filtration Guide, a site dedicated to various methods of treating and purifying water. Learn about best carbon and sediment filters on our site.