If your key objective is to remove chemicals and contaminants from your water, then water filtration is likely what you’re after. Water filtration is the process of removing harmful contaminants from water to make it safe for human consumption.Some common contaminants found in tap water include: Pesticides Herbicides Chlorine Radon Benzene Mercury Bacteria Fungi Water filtration is achieved with a water filter, which can use a number of methods to remove chemicals and contaminants. The two most common are ultraviolet filtration and activated carbon filtration. Ultraviolet Filters: Ultraviolet or UV filters use different frequencies of ultraviolet light to remove mainly microbial cells from water. Ultraviolet filtration is effective for removing bacteria and viruses, and it does not rid water of contaminants like chlorine, lead and pesticides. Activated Carbon Filters: Activated carbon filters are used to remove harmful chemicals like chlorine, chloroform, agricultural chemicals, organic substances, sediment and some minerals from water. It passes water through an activated carbon filter, which “sticks” to these chemicals (adsorption) and removes them when the water passes through it. Water filters can be as small as a water jug, or powerful enough to filter water throughout an entire home. If you are concerned primarily with drinking water, for instance, an under-sink water filtration system is a good investment. If you want to remove chlorine to protect your hair, skin and clothes, a whole home water filtration system might be right for you.