What Contaminants Do Carbon Filters Remove from Water?
If you’ve ever noticed your tap water tasting or smelling off, chances are you’ve been exposed to common contaminants that standard municipal treatment doesn’t fully eliminate. That’s where carbon filters come in — one of the most effective and affordable ways to improve water quality at home or in your business. At Cliff Cummings Water Services, we use advanced carbon filtration systems to ensure your water is clean, safe, and great-tasting.
How Carbon Filters Work
Carbon filters use a process called adsorption, where contaminants are trapped on the surface of activated carbon particles. These filters are made from materials like coconut shells or coal that are treated to create a highly porous surface — giving them a large surface area to capture and hold impurities as water passes through.
Common Contaminants Carbon Filters Remove
1. Chlorine and Chloramines
Municipal water supplies often use chlorine or chloramines for disinfection. While effective for killing bacteria, they can cause unpleasant odors and tastes. Carbon filters remove these chemicals, giving your water a fresh, clean flavor.
2. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
These industrial chemicals — often found in pesticides, paint, and cleaning products — can contaminate groundwater. Carbon filters effectively trap VOCs, helping to protect your health.
3. Sediments and Particulates
Activated carbon can reduce visible particles, dirt, and rust that sometimes make water appear cloudy or discolored.
4. Bad Taste and Odor
Carbon filtration is excellent for removing foul smells and tastes caused by sulfur compounds, chlorine, and other organic substances.
5. Certain Chemicals and Toxins
In addition to improving taste, carbon filters can remove or reduce herbicides, pesticides, and some industrial pollutants that may enter local water sources.
What Carbon Filters Don’t Remove
While carbon filters are powerful, they’re not designed to remove minerals, salts, or heavy metals like lead and arsenic. That’s why many homeowners choose to combine carbon filtration with other systems — such as reverse osmosis or water softeners — for complete water purification.
Cleaner, Safer Water Starts Here
At Cliff Cummings Water Services, we provide customized carbon filtration systems designed to tackle the unique water challenges in your area. Whether you want to improve taste, reduce odor, or ensure safer drinking water, our experts are here to help.
Contact Cliff Cummings Water Services today to learn more about our carbon filter solutions and how we can make every drop from your tap cleaner and healthier.
