Typically, the terms „water purifier” and „water filter” are used interchangeably when talking about a water treatment process. As a result, consumers (and even manufacturers) often think that the two terms mean the same thing. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Although both water purifiers and water filters are essentially designed to remove contaminants, there are some important differences between them. Let’s check this topic in detail.
Types of contaminants removed
Water filters
Water filters use physical barriers as their main filtration process. They are ideal for removing contaminants such as dust, silt, sediment, clay and other suspended particles as well as some microbial organisms such as bacteria and viruses. In addition, carbon filters can improve water odor by removing chlorine from the water. However, filters may not be effective in getting rid of dissolved solids, heavy metals and other chemical contaminants in the water.
Water purifiers
In addition to eliminating physical contaminants, water purifiers are also effective in removing excess dissolved solids, heavy metals, pesticides and harmful chemical contaminants from water.
Purification Levels
Water filters
Filters provide the basic form of water filtration. They typically consist of two or three adjacent filter layers. When water flows through such a filter, it manages to remove some of the impurities from the water. The problem arises when the water has a salty taste or contains harmful chemicals. In such situations, water filters may not be sufficient to eliminate contaminants.
Water purifiers
Water purifiers use much more advanced processes to treat water. The most developed technologies are RO+UV (reverse osmosis and UV) and RO+UV+MF (reverse osmosis, UV, microfiltration membrane). They allow to purify water from a wide range of contaminants. Moreover, purifiers improve taste and consistency of water. This makes the water completely safe and ideal for drinking.
Pure water vs. purified water
Clear water means the absence of any visible contaminants in the filtered water. The water may look clear, but it may not necessarily be sterile.
Purified water means the absence of any visible or invisible contaminants in the filtered water. It is safe to drink. It tastes sweet and has a number of health benefits.
A filter ensures clean water, but only a purifier guarantees purified drinking water.
Usefulness
Water filters
If we are confident about the quality of our water due to the treatment process or the laboratory test results we received, we can opt for a water filter.
Water purifiers
But if we live in a large city where there may be many sources of water pollution, it is advisable to use a water purifier. A device based on RO (reverse osmosis) technology is the most reasonable in this situation. It provides the most effective form of water purification.
Advanced features
Water filters
Being a relatively simpler device, a water filter has basic functions and needs more manual intervention during use. For example, a non-powered filter needs to be filled with water frequently.
Water purifiers
Purifiers, on the other hand, are equipped with advanced features. They have intelligent warning systems that notify you when it’s time to change the filter, display the water purity level, indicate the tank fill level and even signal electrical problems. Consequently, this advanced technology makes our life easier and reduces the hassle of manual intervention.
