Different technologies remove different contaminants. Understanding the basics helps you match the right tool to the right problem.

Major treatment types:

• Activated Carbon Filters: Great for chlorine, taste, odors, and some chemicals like pesticides.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes most dissolved solids, heavy metals, PFAS, nitrates, and fluoride; often needs a remineralization step.
• Distillation: Boils water and condenses steam, leaving contaminants behind; very pure but slow and energy-intensive.
• UV Disinfection: Uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites — must be combined with filtration for chemical removal.
• Ion Exchange (Water Softeners): Removes calcium, magnesium (hardness), and sometimes heavy metals like lead.

Key point:

No single method removes everything. Systems often combine technologies (for example, RO + Carbon + UV) for broader protection.