Carbon filters are extremely effective at removing a wide variety of contaminants from water because of its adsorption properties. Through adsorption, contaminants are attracted to the activated carbon surface and held to it. This is similar to the way a magnet attracts and holds iron filings.
In fact, carbon's excellent adsorption capabilities have made it one of most common filtration mediums used in reverse osmosis drinking water systems, fridge filters, backpacking water filters, and more.
Carbon filtration provides an excellent and proven application for the reduction or removal of the following contaminants:
Acetaldehyde
Acetone
Alcohols
Amy Acetate
Amy Alcohol
Antifreeze
Benzene
Bleach
Butyl Alcohol
Butyl Acetate
Calcium Hypochlorite
Chloral
Chloramine
Chloroform
Chlorine
Chlorobenzene
Chlorophenol
Chlorophyll
Citric Acid
Cresol
Defoilants
Diesel Fuel
Dyes
Ethyl Acrylate
Ethyl Alcohols
Ethyl Acetate
Ethyl Amine
Ethyl Ether
Gasoline
Glcols
Herbicides
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hypochlorous Acid
Insecticides
Iodine
Isopropyl Acetate
Isopropyl Alcohol
Ketones
Lactic Acids
Mercaptans
Methyl Acetate
Methyl Alcohol
Methyl Bromide
Methyl Chloride
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
Naphtha
Nitrobenzene
Nitrotoluene
Odors (General)
Oil-Dissolved
Organic Acids
Organic Esters
Organic Salts
Oxalic Acid
Oxygen
Ozone
PCB's
Pesticides
Phenol
Plastic Tastes
Potassium Permanganate
Propionic Acid
Propyl Acetate
Propyl Alcohol
Propyl Chloride
Radon
Rubber Hose Taste
Sodium Hypochlorite
Solvents
Sulphonated Oils
Tannins
Tar Emulsion
Tartaric Acid
Taste
THM's
Toluene
Toluidine
Trichlorethylene
Turpentine
Xanthophyll
Xylene
Granular Activated Carbon or "GAC" filters are often used as "polishing filters" in the RO process. GAC filters can remove VOCs, pesticides, nitrates, hydrogen sulfide, and much more. Learn more about GAC vs. Carbon Block Filters.
A variety of contaminants can be effectively reduced or removed by carbon block filters, including VOCs, THMs, mercury, chlorine, and more. A carbon block filter's ability to remove contaminants depends upon the filter micron rating. Some carbon block filters rated at one micron or less (meaning they have a very small pore size) are certified to remove or reduce lead, iron, Arsenic V, cysts, and coliform bacteria.
Carbon filters remove contaminants from water through adsorption. Learn more about how carbon filters work and why carbon filtration is used in almost every type of water filter system. From backpacking water filters, refrigerator filters, shower filters, pitcher filters, to reverse osmosis water filters, carbon filtration is utilized to remove contaminants in water.
Carbon filtration provides an excellent and proven way to reduce or remove many contaminants.
Carbon Filter Frequently Asked Questions
Can Carbon Filters Improve the Taste of Water?
Yes, carbon filtration can reduce or remove a variety of contaminants that may affect the taste, color or odor of your drinking water. For example, carbon filters can improve your water's taste by removing chlorine, industrial solvents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), trihalomethanes (THM), organics, and more. That's why many Reverse Osmosis drinking water systems incorporate carbon filtration. Learn more about carbon filtration>
What contaminants do carbon water filters remove?
Carbon filters remove chlorine, chloramine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals, and many compounds that cause bad taste and odor. High-quality carbon block filters can also reduce lead, PFAS, cysts, and some pharmaceuticals, depending on their certification.
Are carbon block filters better than granular activated carbon (GAC)?
Carbon block filters pack carbon more tightly, providing longer contact time and finer filtration. They generally capture smaller particles, remove more contaminants, and perform better on lead, PFAS, VOCs, and disinfection byproducts. GAC filters are very effective in taste, odor, and chlorine reduction.
Do carbon filters remove bacteria or viruses from water?
Standard carbon filters do not remove bacteria or viruses. They are designed to reduce chemicals, chlorine, VOCs, and taste/odor issues. For microbiological protection, users should pair carbon filtration with a UV purifier, reverse osmosis, or another disinfection method.
How long do carbon water filters last?
Most carbon filters last 6–12 months, depending on water quality and usage. High sediment levels or heavy chemical contamination can shorten the filter’s life. Replacing carbon filters regularly is essential because saturated carbon loses its ability to adsorb contaminants effectively.
Are carbon filters effective for well water?
Yes. Carbon filters work well for reducing sulfur odors, organic chemicals, and agricultural contaminants in well water. However, they don’t remove iron, manganese, or microbes, so well water often needs additional treatment. Pairing carbon filtration with iron/manganese removal and UV purification—which inactivates bacteria and viruses—creates a more complete whole-home solution.
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