Water Purifier Methods

METHOD WHAT IT DOES LIMITATIONSBRANDS Activated Carbon Filter Adsorbs organic contaminants that cause taste and odor problems.Some designs remove chlorination byproducts;Some types remove cleaning solvents and pesticidesEfficient in removing metals such as lead and copperDoes not remove nitrate, bacteria or dissolved minerals BritaIon Exchange Removes minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium that make water “hard”Some designs remove radium and bariumRemoves fluoride If water has oxidized iron or iron bacteria, the ion-exchange resin will become coated or clogged and lose its softening ability  BritaReverse Osmosis Removes nitrates, sodium, other dissolved inorganics and organic compoundsRemoves foul tastes, smells or colorsMay also reduce the level of some pesticides, dioxins and chloroform and petrochemicals Does not remove all inorganic and organic contaminants Distillation Removes nitrates, bacteria, sodium, hardness, dissolved solids, most organic compounds, heavy metals, and radionucleides Kills bacteriaDoes not remove some volatile organic contaminants, certain pesticides and volatile solventsBacteria may recolonize on the cooling coils during inactive periods  Source: EPA Read more