Guide for Activated Carbon Filter

Filter Selection

When purchasing an activated carbon filtration device, first consider the quality of the drinking water. An activated carbon unit that will get rid of simple taste and odor problems is quite different from one designed to reduce low or hazardous levels of contaminants below national standards. The best unit for a given situation depends on the amount and type of carbon material contained in the unit, what contaminants it is certified to reduce, initial and replacement cost of filters, frequency of filter change, and operating convenience. Two other important factors to consider are the potential drop in water pressure in the home system after installation of a unit and the daily quantity of treated water supplied by the device. The carbon cartridge should have rigid sides to maximize contact between the water and the carbon.

Filter Maintenance

Activated carbon filter units need to have the carbon changed periodically. For small speciality units, the entire unit is normally replaced. Cartridge filters are the easiest to change. The ease of opening the filter housing and the amount of space required to change the filter should be considered. Filters should be changed on schedule to avoid contamination breakthrough. The filter material or cartridge should be replaced if left unused for an extended period of time (two weeks or longer). Usage tips: Only cold, disinfected water should be used.

A newly installed device should be flushed with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions. For pour-through models, water should flow slowly through the unit to assure adequate contact with the carbon.

Hazardous levels of organic chemicals (above NPDWS) should be treated with properly sized, professionally tested, and properly maintained activated carbon filter devices.

Filter Cost

The devices commonly available for the home range in price from $30 for point-of-use (POU) devices and pour-through filters to over $800 for point-of-entry (POE) units (installation not included). Replacement cartridges range in price from $3 to $50 or more. The filter cartridge replacement interval will determine annual maintenance costs.

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