Complete Guide to Water Filtration Systems

How to Remove Contaminants & Improve Your Home’s Water Quality

Two glasses of water. One glass contains clean water, while the other contains dirty water.

How Do Water Filtration Systems Work?

Water filtration systems use different technologies to remove contaminants, improve taste, and soften water. The best system depends on your home’s water quality and needs.

There are five primary types of water filtration systems:
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Best for drinking water purification, removing up to 99% of dissolved solids.

Carbon Filtration Systems

Best for removing chlorine, chemicals, and bad taste.

Water Softeners

Best for eliminating hard water minerals (calcium & magnesium).

Water Softeners

Best for eliminating hard water minerals (calcium & magnesium).

Water Softeners

Best for eliminating hard water minerals (calcium & magnesium).

Which Water Filtration System Is Right for You?

Reverse Osmosis (RO) SystemsUltra-Purified Drinking Water

What It Does:

Removes chlorine, sediment, heavy metals

Protects plumbing, appliances, and skin health

Reduces chemical exposure in showers and drinking water

How It Works:

Water passes through a semipermeable membrane, filtering out contaminants as small as 0.0001 microns. A multi-stage process ensures high purity, often including carbon pre-filters and post-filters.

Best For:

Removing chemical contaminants & heavy metals

Homes with high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

Improving drinking water quality

Water filtration filters
Water purification device.

Carbon Filtration Systems – Removing Chlorine & 
Improving Taste

What It Does:

Removes chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, and organic chemicals

Used in point-of-use filters and whole-house systems

Reduces bad taste and odors

How It Works:

Activated carbon absorbs contaminants through a process called adsorption. Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Carbon Block Filters are the most common types.

Best For:

Households wanting better-tasting water

Municipal water with high chlorine levels

People sensitive to chemical exposure

Water softener

Water Softeners Eliminating Hard Water Problems

What It Does:

Extends appliance lifespan and improves water heater efficiency

Removes calcium & magnesium, preventing scale buildup

Used in homes with hard water problems

How It Works:

Water softeners replace hard minerals with sodium or potassium ions through an ion exchange process.

Best For:

Preventing soap scum buildup in showers and sinks

Homes with hard water causing appliance damage

Improving skin and hair health

UV Water Purification

UV Water Purification Chemical-Free Bacteria & 
Virus Removal

What It Does:

Kills 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and parasites

Provides chemical-free disinfection

Used in well water systems and areas with bacterial risks

How It Works:

Water is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, destroying bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens at a DNA level.

Best For:

Homes using private wells

Areas with boil water notices or bacterial contamination

People wanting chemical-free water disinfection

Iron breaker filtration

Iron Breaker System: The Best Solution for Iron, Manganese & Sulfur in Water

What It Does:

Removes iron, manganese, and sulfur, preventing rust stains

Eliminates rotten egg smells (hydrogen sulfide gas).

Protects plumbing, fixtures, and appliances from iron buildup.

How It Works:

Water passes through an oxidation and filtration system that turns dissolved iron and sulfur into solid particles, which are then filtered out using specialized media. Some systems use air injection, Greensand, or Katalox for enhanced iron removal.

Best For:

Homes with red, brown, or orange stains in sinks, tubs, or laundry.

Well water users with iron, manganese, or sulfur issues.

Homeowners experiencing metallic-tasting water or bad odors.

Media Filter Water Filtration

Media Filters: Multi-Layer Filtration for Cleaner, Healthier Water

What It Does:

Removes sediment, chlorine, and heavy metals.

Improves taste and odor.

Works as a whole-house or point-of-use filtration system.

How It Works:

Water passes through specialized filtration media designed to trap different contaminants. Common media types include carbon for chlorine removal, KDF for heavy metals, and sediment layers for particles like sand and rust.

Best For:

Homes with high chlorine levels, sediment, or heavy metals.

Households looking for whole-house water improvement.

Pre-filtering water before reverse osmosis or UV purification.

Pouring water into a glass from the faucet.

Remineralizer: Restore Essential Minerals for Healthier Drinking Water

What It Does:

Adds back calcium, magnesium, and potassium after RO filtration.

Balances water pH levels for a natural, alkaline taste.

Improves hydration and essential mineral intake.

How It Works:

A remineralization cartridge is installed after a reverse osmosis system, replenishing minerals stripped out during purification. Some systems use natural calcium and magnesium filters, while others use electrolyte infusion technology.

Best For:

Homes using reverse osmosis systems for ultra-purified water.

People looking for alkaline or mineral-rich drinking water.

Anyone wanting better-tasting, naturally balanced water.

Alkaline Systems: Increase pH Levels & Enhance Water Quality

What It Does:

Raises water pH levels for a more alkaline balance.

Adds healthy minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Improves taste and potential hydration benefits.

How It Works:

Alkaline systems increase water pH through mineral addition or ionization technology. Some use natural mineral cartridges, while electric ionizers separate acidic and alkaline components to produce high-pH water.

Best For:

Households looking for alkaline, mineral-rich drinking water.

People interested in reducing acidity in their diet.

Homes using reverse osmosis systems that remove beneficial minerals.

Gas cylinders for water filtration

Whole-House Filtration Comprehensive Home Protection

What It Does:

Treats all water entering your home

Removes sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, and contaminants

Used in homes needing full-scale filtration

How It Works:

Water passes through multi-stage filtration, often including sediment filters, carbon media, and KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) filters to remove a broad spectrum of contaminants.

Best For:

Families needing clean water at every tap

Homes dealing with multiple water issues

Reducing chlorine exposure in showers and laundry

Comparing Water Filtration Technologies

See how different filtration systems compare and find the best fit for your home.

Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Drinking Water
No
No
No
Yes
Hard Water
Yes
No
No
No
Taste & Odor
No
No
Yes
No
Well Water
Yes
Varies
No
Varies
Comprehensive Treatment
Reverse Osmosis
Company name
14
Team name
Jan 11, 2050
Jan 11, 2050

Which Water Filtration System is Right for You?

Choosing the right system depends on your home’s water quality:

For Drinking Water Purification: Reverse Osmosis (RO)
For Removing Chlorine & Chemicals: Carbon Filtration
For Hard Water Problems: Water Softeners
For Bacteria & Well Water Treatment: UV Purification
For Whole-Home Protection: Whole-House Filtration

Not sure what you need? Start with a free water quality test.

A man in a blue shirt washing plates.

Take the First Step: Get Your Free Water Test

Before choosing a filtration system, find out what’s really in your water. We’ll analyze your local water conditions and send a free report to your inbox.

Hardness Levels

Is your water destroying appliances and plumbing?


Chlorine & Chemicals

Is your water irritating your skin and affecting taste?


Lead & Heavy Metals

Could your water be contaminated with dangerous toxins?