Choosing the right water filtration system is essential for protecting your health and ensuring clean, great-tasting water at home. But with so many technologies—reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, activated carbon, nanofiltration—it can be hard to know what’s best.
In this guide, we break down the most common water filtration methods, how they work, and what contaminants they remove so you can make an informed decision.
1. Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon is one of the most widely used and effective filtration methods, especially for improving taste and odour.
How It Works
It uses porous carbon media to absorb contaminants from water as it passes through.
What It Removes
- Chlorine
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Pesticides
- Odours and bad tastes
Limitations
Activated carbon does not remove dissolved minerals, fluoride, or heavy metals.
📌 Best used for improving taste and removing basic chemical contaminants.
2. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse osmosis is a highly effective multi-stage filtration process that removes a wide range of contaminants using a semipermeable membrane.
How It Works
Water is forced through a membrane that blocks molecules larger than water, filtering out impurities at a molecular level.
What It Removes
- Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic)
- Fluoride
- Nitrates
- PFAS
- Salts
- Microorganisms
Limitations
RO also removes beneficial minerals, and the process creates wastewater, which some users find inefficient.
📌 Best for households needing comprehensive filtration or dealing with very poor-quality tap water.
3. Ultrafiltration (UF)
Ultrafiltration uses a membrane similar to RO but with larger pores. It retains most bacteria and particles without stripping beneficial minerals.
How It Works
Pressure pushes water through a hollow-fibre membrane that removes contaminants based on size.
What It Removes
- Bacteria and viruses
- Microplastics
- Suspended solids
- Some organic contaminants
Limitations
Does not remove dissolved salts, fluoride, or heavy metals.
📌 Best for users wanting strong filtration without the water waste or complexity of RO systems.
4. Nanofiltration (NF)
Nanofiltration falls between RO and UF in terms of filtration strength. It’s more selective than UF but not as aggressive as RO.
How It Works
Uses a semipermeable membrane to remove contaminants while allowing some minerals to pass through.
What It Removes
- Some heavy metals
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Certain viruses and bacteria
- Calcium and magnesium (partial softening)
Limitations
It doesn’t remove all salts or fluoride and is more expensive than UF.
📌 Best for moderately hard water and chemical contaminant removal without full mineral stripping.
5. Choosing the Right Filtration System
When choosing a filtration system, consider:
- Your local water quality – Is it high in chlorine, heavy metals, or fluoride?
- Filtration goals – Are you trying to improve taste, remove specific contaminants, or soften water?
- Maintenance and cost – RO systems require more upkeep and filter changes than simpler options like activated carbon.
- Environmental factors – RO systems use more water; UF and carbon systems are more eco-friendly.
🔗 Need help choosing? We offer free water report analysis to help you select the right solution for your home.
FAQs – Water Filtration Technologies
Q: What’s the best water filter for chlorine?
Activated carbon is highly effective for removing chlorine and improving taste.
Q: Is reverse osmosis better than carbon filters?
RO removes more contaminants but also strips minerals and uses more water. It depends on your needs.
Q: Does ultrafiltration remove fluoride?
No, UF does not remove fluoride—RO or specialised pre-filters are required.
Q: Can I use multiple technologies together?
Yes, many systems combine filters (e.g. carbon + UF or pre-filters + RO) for layered protection.
Q: Which system is best for UK tap water?
Most UK households benefit from carbon or UF filtration. Areas with known contaminants may require RO with pre-filters.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to water filtration. Each technology offers different benefits, and the right choice depends on your water quality, health goals, and budget.
Understanding the strengths and limitations of RO, UF, activated carbon, and nanofiltration can help you make a smart, long-term decision for cleaner, safer water.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that contaminants like lead, nitrates, and industrial chemicals are still common in tap water — many of which carry long-term health risks. A reliable filtration system plays a vital role in reducing this exposure. EPA Drinking Water Standards
Global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) echo this concern, linking poor water quality to a range of preventable illnesses — especially in areas with ageing infrastructure or limited treatment. WHO Water Quality Guidelines
🔗 Explore our water filters and ionizers
