There are all kinds of different contaminants in tap water, and often times that means that multiple filtration techniques are needed to take care of all of them. One of the most popular of those techniques is activated carbon. Today we’re going to talk about what an activated carbon water filter is and what role it plays in the water filtration systems that we sell here at NC Water Consultants!
What is an activated carbon water filter?
The term “activated carbon” refers to a material that consists mostly of carbon (usually charcoal) that has been treated in a way that opens up millions of pores inside of it. The carbon naturally attracts certain organic compounds that are commonly found in tap water through a process known as “adsorption.” As water flows through the activated carbon media, the organic compounds in the water attach to the carbon surface while the rest of the water flows through the pores.
What are an activated carbon filter’s strengths?
An activated carbon water filter is great at removing organic compounds from your water. In particular, it is very effective for removing contaminants that affect the taste and smell (http://epa-water.com/water-treatment-blog/how-can-tap-water-develop-a-smell/) of your water, such as chlorine.
What are an activated carbon filter’s limitations?
Although an activated carbon water filter is great for a specific purpose (improving taste and smell), there are still many common water contaminants that it does address. Iron, nitrates, chemicals and inorganic compounds are some examples of contaminants that are commonly found in tap water but are not removed by a carbon filter.
Activated carbon is found in many water filtration systems
Because activated carbon media is great for some things but not so great for others, it is most often used in conjunction with other types of filtration methods in a single water filtration system. For example, activated carbon is found in two of Hague’s most popular products: the WaterMax and the reverse osmosis filter.
If you have any questions about an activated carbon water filter, or if you’d like a water treatment system serviced or installed in your home, contact NC Water Consultants, your North and South Carolina dealer of water filtration systems and water softeners. We provide service all over the Carolinas, including towns like Mount Pleasant, Waxhaw and Indian Trail, NC.
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