Thirsty? No problem! You turn on the tap and water comes out. Simple, right? But what if we told you that clear water isn't always as pure as it seems? Tap water often contains traces of everything you'd rather not ingest: microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, chlorine, lead, PFAS, pesticides. Not necessarily in quantities that are immediately dangerous, but enough to make you wonder if it could be cleaner. Good news, the answer is yes! That's where a water filter comes in. But how exactly does such a filter work?
What is a water filter?
A water filter is essentially a system that removes unwanted substances from your drinking water without filtering out the beneficial ones, such as minerals. It removes what your body prefers not to process, leaving behind what you actually need. The technology behind it is surprisingly powerful in its simplicity.
The process begins with pre-filtration. This removes larger particles such as sand, rust, or other visible debris from the water. A ceramic filter captures the microparticles, often down to 0.2 microns, which is smaller than a bacterium. This prevents coarse contaminants from making their way into your glass.
Then the activated carbon layer comes into action. Activated carbon has a huge surface area full of tiny pores. Substances like chlorine, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues are trapped within these pores. This layer not only removes unwanted chemicals but also improves the water's taste and smell.
Then there's the mineralization phase. Here, the water is enriched with natural minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These substances are naturally present in spring water, but are often lost in processed or chemically treated water systems. A good filter adds them back, so you're not just drinking clean water, but also water that nourishes you. In the case of an Aqualine water filter, this is achieved using Elvan mineral stones : volcanic rock from South Korea known for its rich mineral composition. These stones slowly release minerals into the water, making it not only healthier but also smoother and fuller-flavored.
Some water filter systems, such as the Aqualine Neos , add an extra step: vitalization. This process involves a powerful magnetic valve that gently swirls the water outward, inspired by the natural flow of mountain water.
The power of layered filtering
What distinguishes a good water filter from a simple tap clamp is the layered nature of the system. There's no one-step solution, but multiple layers, each serving a specific purpose. From coarse filtration to microfiltration, from flavor enhancement to vitalization.
Most filter systems operate on gravity. This means you pour the water in at the top, and it naturally sinks through the layers, without any current or pressure.
With regular use, maintenance is important. Filters need to be replaced, depending on the type and amount of water you use daily. Generally, filters need replacing after six months. The mineral stones last for years, but require occasional rinsing to maintain their effectiveness.
