The Four Barriers of the NEWater Purification Process

Water filtration systems range from simple to complex.

Water filtration systems range from simple to complex. A system typically has four or five stages of filtration. A sediment filter traps large particles, including rust and calcium carbonate, followed by an optional second filter with smaller pores. A carbon filter then traps organic chemicals and chlorine. Next, a reverse osmosis thin film or composite membrane (TFM or TFC) further purifies the water. This membrane may be followed by a second carbon filter to eliminate chlorine, which can damage the TFC membrane and cause it to break down.

In some systems, a cellulose triacetate membrane (CTA) is used and the carbon prefilter is omitted. However, since chlorine will destroy the CTA membrane, a carbon postfilter is essential to eliminate the chlorine.

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