Both in the home and on the trails, carbon water filters are becoming more and more popular. But why are people choosing these high-powered solutions? What makes carbon water filters different from other options?

Let’s find out!

What Are Carbon Water Filters?

Carbon water filters use carbon to remove chemicals and other contaminants from drinking water to make it safe for consumption. In general, these filters improve not only the quality, but also the smell and taste of water.

These filters are made by grinding up a carbon source. This source could be bituminous coal, peat, or coconut shells. Coconut shells are most commonly used and also one of the most sustainable – coconuts are highly renewable! To make the filters, these sources must be “activated.” That is, they must be baked at high temperatures and allow steam to create cracks in the carbon – but more on this later.

A unique quality of these filters is their adaptability; they can be used as part of an inline water filtration system for home use and also as lightweight, portable solutions for camping or hiking. In fact, there are actually two main types of carbon water filters: granular activated carbon water filters (GACs) and carbon block filters. The main difference between these two is the shape of the filter; GACs have loose carbon granules, are typically used as prefilters, and have higher flow rates while block filters use packed carbon bricks and have lower flow rates.

How Do They Work?

So what’s the deal with carbon? What makes this technology so effective is that activated carbon has a huge surface area. The larger the surface area, the more space there is to adsorb contaminants.

No, that’s not a typo – “adsorption” refers to a material’s ability to attract contaminants and hold onto them. Think of it like a magnet – the carbon catches contaminants and by doing so removes them from the water source. 

That’s why the carbon needs to be “activated.” By baking it at high temperatures, steam creates fissures that expand the filter’s surface area. To put things into perspective, one gram of activated carbon has over 32,000 square feet of surface area that can be used to snag unwanted contaminants.

Additionally, carbon filters can change the chemical composition of certain contaminants. This makes it especially useful against chlorine, pesticides, chloroform, and other organic chemicals.

These filters are highly effective and typically need replacing between 6 – 12 months.

Applications

Carbon block water filters are measured by the size of the contaminant that they can remove. In general, the spectrum ranges from 50 microns down to .5 microns. The smaller the contaminants you’re looking to remove, the smaller you’ll want your filter micron size to be.

Because of this variability, these filters are effective in a variety of settings. Whether you are looking for a prefilter for your home to improve taste, are particularly concerned about the chlorine content in your water source, or are looking to filter water you find in a lake during a hike – carbon filters can be valuable investments.

Can You Taste the Carbon?

Since water flows through carbon water filters, you might be wondering if any of that carbon gets left behind. Activated carbon is entirely digestible, but no trace of carbon is left after the water has been treated!

Is a Carbon Water Filter Right For You?

Carbon water filters are used to remove a wide spread of contaminants, which could prove particularly effective depending on your water needs.

These contaminants can include but are not limited to: acetone, chlorine, diesel fuel, lactic and organic acids, radon, sodium hypochlorite, solvents, and turpentine. Check out this page for a full list.

Our Top 10 Carbon Water Filters

So, you’ve decided that a carbon filter is right for you – but where to start? Below, we’ve compiled our top 10 carbon water filters to help get you started in your search.

For home use:

• Coldstream MAX Undercounter Purification System – The Coldstream MAX connects directly to the cold water pipe under your sink, allowing clean water to be dispensed from an existing tap or faucet. This system uses activated carbon to remove dirt, bacteria, viruses, and PFAs.

• Nazava Water Filter – The Nazava Water Filter is a practical countertop water filtration system. It has a 0.4 micron level and a 32 L total reservoir capacity. This filter will transform all 32 L into clean drinking water without the need for electricity or boiling.

• VF200 Pre-Filter – With a micron level of 60, this filter is designed to attach and work with the VF100 Home Water Filter. This prefilter catches large particles in the water, improves taste and clarity of water, and can help extend the life of your home water filter.

• YakuPura – The YakuPura filter cartridges use carbon technology to offer an alternative to single-use plastic water bottles. These filters can be used at home and protect against waterborne illness.

For larger scale applications:

• theBB500 by Better Things LLC – This carbon water filter is designed to provide more than 50,000 liters of safe drinking water per day. It has been implemented across the world in businesses, schools, clinics, and community centers.

• Lifestraw Flex – The Lifestraw Flex is a durable, portable filter that purifies water instantaneously as it’s used. This straw has a micron level of 0.2 and protects against bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and other heavy metals. Additionally, it helps to cut down on the use of single-use plastic water bottles.

• Puribag – The Puribag is a family-sized water purification device to aid in the collection, treatment, and storage of drinking water. It is designed for use with P&G Purifier of Water sachets and has a carbon filter attached to the spout to effectively eliminate contaminants.

For on-the-go:

• Delta Emergency Water Filter – This compact emergency water filter is perfect for hiking, camping, and other adventures. Collect and purify 75 L of water from lakes, streams, and other untreated sources without worry.

• Aqualogic USA – This ceramic filter uses activated carbon and a drip filtration process to purify water in a portable, affordable, and eco-friendly way. 

• MSR Thru-Link Inline – The Thru-Link Inline filter is an adaptable tool that can be easily clicked into any hydration reservoir system. The activated carbon and high flow rate remove pathogens, microplastics, and more.

Find Your Solution

We understand that not every water need will look the same. That’s why we’re committed to not only providing a variety of water solutions, but also the support and information needed to make informed buying decisions. Whether you are looking for personal, at-home filters or large-scale solutions, we are here to help you find your right fit.

Explore our catalog of products and more with our comprehensive database, Business Connect For Water, and find your carbon water filter today.