This type of filter is primarily used for aesthetic treatment, since it can reduce chlorine and particulate matter as well as improve the taste and odor of the water. Ceramic Filters Ceramic filters use a process whereby water is forced through the pores of the ceramic filtration media, providing mechanical filtration only. Ceramic filters cannot reduce VOCs, endocrine disrupters, trihalomethanes, mercury, or lead. Distillation Water is heated to boiling and turns to vapor, leaving behind contaminants. The water vapor enters a condenser where it is cooled and returned to a liquid state, ready for use.
Distillation reduces heavy metals, but through the same process also removes beneficial minerals.
Reverse Osmosis is a process that forces, by the application of pressure, the water to pass through a semi-permeable membrane that rejects contaminants suspended in the water. The product water passes through to a holding tank. The process is slow and wastes three to four gallons for every one gallon of drinking water produced. May require professional installation. Reverse Osmosis does not effectively reduce VOCs, endocrine disrupters, pesticides, or trihalomethanes.