Filtration Types Compared
Updated February 24, 2026
Different contaminants require different filtration technologies. No single filter removes everything. Understanding what each technology does and does not do helps you build the right system.
Overview
Different contaminants require different filtration technologies. No single filter removes everything. Understanding what each technology does and does not do helps you build the right system.
What to Know
Sediment Filters
- Remove particles: sand, silt, rust, debris.
- Rated by micron size (5 micron standard, 1 micron fine).
- First stage in any multi-stage system.
- Does not remove chemicals, bacteria, or dissolved contaminants.
- $5-15 per cartridge.
Carbon Filters
- Remove chlorine, chloramine, VOCs, pesticides, taste and odor.
- Most common home filtration.
- Does not remove dissolved minerals, fluoride, or bacteria.
- $10-30 per cartridge, change every 6-12 months.
Reverse Osmosis
- Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including lead, fluoride, arsenic, nitrates.
- Multi-stage system.
- Produces purified water at dedicated faucet.
- Wastes water (3-4:1 ratio standard).
- $150-400 for under-sink.
UV & Specialty
- UV: kills 99.99% of bacteria and viruses.
- Essential for well water.
- Does not remove chemicals.
- Iron/manganese filters: specialized media for well water.
- Water softeners: ion exchange removes hardness but is not a filter.
Comparison
| Sediment: particles only, $5-15/cartridge, first stage |
| Carbon: chlorine/chemicals/taste, $10-30/cartridge, most common |
| RO: 95-99% of dissolved contaminants, $150-400 system, most thorough |
| UV: bacteria/viruses, $300-800 system, essential for wells |
| Softener: hardness minerals, $800-2500 system, ion exchange |
Buying Tips
- Start with a water test. Buy filtration for contaminants actually in YOUR water.
- Sediment + carbon is the standard two-stage setup for most issues.
- RO is overkill if your only concern is chlorine taste.
- UV is non-negotiable for private well water.
Common Mistakes
- Buying RO when simple carbon would address the issue.
- Skipping sediment pre-filter -- particles clog downstream filters.
- Expecting carbon to remove lead or fluoride -- you need RO.
- Installing UV without pre-filtration.
Bottom Line
Test first. Sediment + carbon for most city water. RO for lead, fluoride, or maximum purity. UV for all well water. Layer technologies based on specific contaminants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying filtration types compared?
Start with a water test. Buy filtration for contaminants actually in YOUR water. Sediment + carbon is the standard two-stage setup for most issues. RO is overkill if your only concern is chlorine taste.
What are common mistakes when buying filtration types compared?
Buying RO when simple carbon would address the issue. Skipping sediment pre-filter -- particles clog downstream filters. Expecting carbon to remove lead or fluoride -- you need RO.
What is the bottom line on filtration types compared?
Test first. Sediment + carbon for most city water. RO for lead, fluoride, or maximum purity. UV for all well water. Layer technologies based on specific contaminants.
What's the bottom line on filtration types compared?
Test first. Sediment + carbon for most city water. RO for lead, fluoride, or maximum purity. UV for all well water. Layer technologies based on specific contaminants.
What are the top tips for filtration types compared?
Start with a water test. Buy filtration for contaminants actually in YOUR water.. Sediment + carbon is the standard two-stage setup for most issues.. RO is overkill if your only concern is chlorine taste..
What mistakes should I avoid when buying?
Common mistakes: Buying RO when simple carbon would address the issue.. Skipping sediment pre-filter -- particles clog downstream filters.. Expecting carbon to remove lead or fluoride -- you need RO..
What are the best water treatment brands?
Top brands include 3M, AO Smith, APEC Water, Aqua-Star, Aquasana, Brita. Each serves different price points and needs.