 - Activated carbon uses adsorption to effectively remove lead among other heavy metals from water. However, not all activated carbon water filters are capable of removing lead sufficiently. What's more, some get fed up quickly and lose portions of their removal capabilities after processing a certain amount of water.  - Activated carbon uses adsorption to effectively remove lead among other heavy metals from water. However, not all activated carbon water filters are capable of removing lead sufficiently. What's more, some get fed up quickly and lose portions of their removal capabilities after processing a certain amount of water. 