How2Day: What Do the Filters in the Brita Filtration Systems Do?

Water from the kitchen faucet can often benefit from filtration. just a sink image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
Brita water filters have become the best-known brand of water filtration unit on the consumer market. There are many different varieties of the filtration systems Brita offers, including those that work in stand-alone pitchers and those that attach directly to your water supply. The basic filtration science used in all models is similar.

The first stage that water passes through in a Brita filter is the sediment trap. This keeps any actual sedimentary particles that might be present in the tap water from passing into your drinking water. This is made from fine screening.

Carbon filtration is a common method for improving water, and is a cornerstone of the Brita method. There is carbon in all Brita filters. When water passes through the filtration system, the carbon absorbs particles in the water that are not pure H20.

Carbon absorbs most of the particulates in the water. Organic compounds will be absorbed. It also counteracts chemicals such as pesticides or chlorine.

Carbon improves the taste, odor and clarity of the water that you drink.

Brita filters contain a second ingredient called ion-exchange resin. These are tiny beads that exchange their ions for the ions in the water. This removes undesirable ions and replaces them with harmless ones.

The carbon in the filter is meant to remove organic compounds. In contrast, the ion-exchange resin helps to remove inorganic material. This helps to reduce the presence of heavy metals in the water. Lead, a common contaminant in some water sources is filtered out by the ion-exchange resin.

Brita filters also contain a bacterial inhibitor. This is an agent designed to help prevent the growth of bacteria in the filter. Bacteria naturally flourish in damp, dark places, and this agent ensures that water passing through the filter remains clean and pure. This is accomplished by treating the activated carbon in the filters with silver. Silver has documented antibacterial properties.

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