There are numerous water filtration systems on the market today.

Carbon Filters: These filters work by adsorption. They capture contaminants by making them adhere to the carbon in the filter. They do a good job with improving the taste and odor because they reduce the level of chlorine byproducts. They may even remove or reduce the level of lead. Carbon filters, however, do not remove bacteria, parasites, volatile organic chemicals or organic chemicals.

Ceramic Filters: While far less common in North America, ceramic filters work in a similar way to carbon filters. They also use the principle of adsorption. They have all of the same benefits and problems as carbon filters. They do have one additional benefit in that they may alkalinize acidic water.

Ultraviolet Treatment: With this method of purification, water passes through a chamber that has an ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light disinfects or reduces the amount of bacteria. This expensive process needs to be used with other filtration in order to remove other impurities. Ultraviolet treatment, also does nothing to help the pH level of acidic water.

Reverse Osmosis: With this type of filtration, water is forced through a membrane that removes contaminants from the water. These membranes can remove chlorine byproducts, parasites, some bacteria, industrial chemicals, lead, nitrate and toxic metals. The contaminants are washed away with water. Two problems can arise with reverse osmosis. First, the process wastes precious water. Second, while removing contaminants, reverse osmosis systems tend to remove all of the minerals from water, leaving it acidic.

Distillation: Distillation systems boil water and collect the vapors. This process can do a great job of leaving behind heavy metals including arsenic. The boiling process should also kill any bacteria that may be present. However, volatile organic chemicals are not removed with distillation as these chemicals tend to boil before the water does and are collected in the vapors. As well, alkalinizing minerals are removed, leaving the water acidic.

Bottled Water: Many people turn to bottled water to give them peace of mind. And yet, bottled water is usually nothing more than water from a civic water supply that has been run through one of the filtration systems listed above. The deficiencies of the filtration method used can be amplified since the water is then stored in plastic bottles that may contain bacteria. Water is best stored in glass. Plastics can transfer odors, flavors or even leach residues into the water stored inside bottles.

When you're looking for a water filtration system look for a system that not only filters the water, but re-mineralizes and oxygenates it as well.

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