How Carbon Filters Work to Improve Your Water

Have you ever wondered how your water filter makes your tap water taste better? Or why it’s so effective at removing unpleasant odors, chlorine, and harmful chemicals? The answer likely involves activated carbon.

Carbon water filters are one of the most common and trusted solutions in residential and commercial water treatment systems. But how do these powerful filters provide cleaner, better water?

At American Aqua, we believe that understanding the science behind water purification empowers our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. In this blog, we’ll explain how activated carbon water filters work and discuss what they remove.

Understanding Carbon Filters

Carbon filters are a cornerstone in water purification, renowned for their ability to remove impurities and improve water taste. They operate through a process called adsorption, where contaminants adhere to the surface of the activated carbon material.

How Do Activated Carbon Filters Work?

The surface of activated carbon has tons of tiny pores that trap contaminants as water passes through. They adhere to the surface of the carbon rather than being “absorbed.” Some contaminants, like chlorine, are not just physically adsorbed but also undergo chemical reactions on the carbon’s surface. For example, chlorine molecules react with the carbon to form harmless chloride ions, which are then released.

What do carbon filters remove from water? Below is a list of the common water contaminants that activated carbon can help remove:

  • Chlorine
  • Chloramines
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Sediment and particles, like rust
  • Hydrogen sulfide gas
  • Bad tastes and odors
  • Pesticides
  • Trihalomethanes (THMs)
  • Lead, when filters are specially engineered

Carbon filters are often used in combination systems. They can help to improve water taste and reduce some contaminants they may not be specifically made to target, but can still filter to some degree (such as arsenic).

What Are Carbon Filters Made Of?

Carbon filters are made from activated carbon, which is typically derived from natural sources like:

  • Coconut shells
  • Bituminous coal
  • Wood or peat

These materials are processed at high temperatures in a controlled environment to create activated carbon. Activated carbon is a form of carbon with a massive surface area covered in small pores. This porous structure is what makes activated carbon so effective at trapping and removing impurities from water.

Types of Carbon Filters

There are various carbon filter options to suit different needs:

1. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters

These filters use loose carbon granules, providing high adsorption capacity. They are commonly used in many different filtration systems.

2. Carbon Block Filters

Made by compressing carbon into a solid block, these filters offer a higher surface area for adsorption and often achieve finer filtration compared to GAC filters.

3. Catalytic Carbon Filters

Enhanced with catalytic properties, these filters are particularly effective at removing chloramines and other specific contaminants that regular activated carbon may not remove effectively.

Applications of Carbon Filters

Carbon filters are versatile and can be integrated into various systems:

  • Point-of-Use Systems: Ideal for under-sink and countertop installations to improve drinking water quality.
  • Whole-Home Water Filtration: Treats all incoming water, ensuring clean water throughout your property.
  • Pre-Filtration: Used as a pre-filter in reverse osmosis systems to protect the RO membrane and in other systems to further refine water.

Maintenance and Replacement

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance for all water treatment equipment. Filter lifespan will depend on water quality and usage. Indicators for replacement can include changes in water taste or odor, or a decrease in your water flow rate.

Choosing the Right Carbon Filter

Selecting the appropriate filter involves considering:

  • Contaminant Removal Needs: Identifying specific contaminants present in your water supply.
  • System Compatibility: Ensuring the filter works with your existing system.

Differences Between Filters

While all carbon filters use activated carbon to clean water, the form and function of each type can significantly impact performance, flow rate, and contaminant removal. Here’s how the main types of carbon filters compare:

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

  • Structure: Made of loose carbon granules, similar in texture to coarse coffee grounds.
  • Flow Rate: Offers a faster water flow due to less density.
  • Best For: General taste and odor improvement, and chlorine removal.
  • Limitations: Less effective at removing very small particles or chemicals due to shorter contact time.

Carbon Block Filters

  • Structure: Compressed powdered carbon formed into a solid, dense block.
  • Flow Rate: Slower than GAC but provides longer contact time for better filtration.
  • Best For: Removing smaller contaminants like lead and VOCs.
  • Advantages: More uniform filtration and less chance of channeling (water bypassing the carbon).

Catalytic Carbon Filters

  • Structure: Similar to GAC or carbon block, but with enhanced chemical reactivity and catalytic properties.
  • Special Feature: Engineered to remove chloramines, an increasingly common water disinfectant that standard carbon may not effectively treat.
  • Best For: Advanced chemical removal, especially in municipal water supplies with chloramine, plus hydrogen sulfide, VOCs, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and other organic pollutants.
  • Advantages: Better for chemical adsorption compared to standard activated carbon.

Choose American Aqua for All Your Water Quality Needs

With over 30,000 satisfied customers, American Aqua stands as a trusted name in water treatment. Our team of Water Quality Association (WQA) certified technicians has over 100 years of combined experience, ensuring you receive superior advice and top-notch service.

We offer a wide range of products and services, including:

Our facilities in Saline, Howell, and Traverse City, Michigan, allow us to serve customers across the state.

Contact Us for Carbon Filter Installation & More

By understanding how carbon filters work and the benefits they offer, you can make informed decisions about your water treatment needs. Trust American Aqua to provide the expertise and solutions to ensure your water is of the highest quality. Contact us for a free water test and find the best carbon filter system for your needs.

Request a Free Water Analysis