A water filter does not remove water hardness; instead, it focuses on removing other contaminants. Water hardness is caused by minerals like calcium and magnesium, while water filters target different impurities.
What Water Filters Do Remove
Water filters work to remove a wide range of contaminants from water, including:
- Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and chlorine.
- Biological Organisms: Various bacteria and other microorganisms.
- Other Contaminants: These can include natural and artificial pollutants.
These contaminants can come from various sources such as:
- Natural occurrences in your region.
- Pollution sources.
These contaminants affect the taste and safety of the water but do not cause water hardness.
Understanding Water Hardness vs. Water Filtration
It's important to distinguish between:
- Water Hardness: Caused by dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium.
- Water Contaminants: Include chemicals, organisms, and other unwanted substances.
Water filters are designed to address the second category, while water softeners are specifically used to treat water hardness.
Comparing Water Filters and Water Softeners
| Feature | Water Filter | Water Softener |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Removes chemicals and biological organisms | Removes minerals that cause hardness |
| Target Contaminants | Pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, bacteria | Calcium, magnesium |
| Mechanism | Physical barrier, chemical adsorption | Ion exchange, salt regeneration |
| Impact | Improves taste and safety | Reduces scale buildup, improves cleaning |
Conclusion
Water filters are excellent at removing chemicals and contaminants, but they do not address water hardness. If you're looking to reduce water hardness, a water softener is necessary. Understanding the difference between these two systems ensures you can select the correct water treatment method for your needs.
