Microns: What They Mean to Water Filters

Not all water filters were created equally. Find out what a micron is, and why they are so important to water filters.

Microns and Water Filters

A micron, as defined by dictionary.com is:

“Also called a micrometer. The millionth part of a meter. Symbol: μ, mu.”

In slightly more understandable terms, one millionth of a meter works out at 0.0001 cm or 0.001 mm. A human hair is around 0.0889 mm and there are 25,4000 microns in one inch.

You might ask what this little science lesson has to do with water filters? Well most filters can have their effectiveness at removing pollutants measured by how low their micron score is. For example, a water filter that protects down to 1 micron, will block any particles larger than this from passing through. Anything smaller than 1 micron may continue through and be part of your drinking water.

Water pollutants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and by knowing exactly what you’re looking for, you stand a much greater chance of stopping it. The table below shows some common water pollutants and their sizes in microns.

Microns In Water Filters

Note the size of virus particles. These include E.coli, hepatitis, and legionnaires disease. For a water filter to protect against the smallest virus particles, it would need to have a filter capable of working down to below 0.004 microns. Actually, to be guaranteed protection then an ultraviolet filter would be needed too. The only methods of home water filtration that work on this scale are reverse osmosis, and distillation. Now water distillation cannot be measured in microns, but reverse osmosis can. An RO membrane can filter down to an amazing 0.0001 microns or 0.00000001 cm. Compare this with the most effective whole house filter that I am aware of, the Aquasana Rhino, which fights water contaminants down to 0.35 microns, and a typical carbon filter which could work from anywhere between 0.5 – 20 microns.

Which is the best?

Each system has it’s positive and negative aspects, and the micron rating is not the only thing to be considered when buying a home water filter. For example, a problem with chlorine would not require such strict filtration. Be aware though, that just any old water filter will not be a solution to water pollution for every problem. Certain contaminants will only be removed by certain water filter types. Make sure you know exactly what is wrong with your water before you commit to buying a home water filter

What Type of Filter Should You Consider For Bacteria?

Leaving microns aside, there is one type of filter that doesn’t use a screen to stop bacteria. UV water filtration works by targeting microorganisms with UV-C rays to effectively disable them at their DNA level.

As long as you’ve got running electricity, the filter works wonders and eliminates bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens. Even mold or algae can be effectively eliminated using this method.

However, there is one catch. The water needs to be completely free of other pollutants and dissolved solids so that the light can penetrate it successfully. As such, we recommend getting a water softener or the Eddy Electronic Water Descaler if you have hard water.

You’ll also need a pre-filtering system if you have other inorganic pollutants such as chemicals, sediment, iron, manganese, etc.

However, if you already have all of that set up and ready to go, then getting a UV water filter is the next logical step, as it can effectively destroy all pathogens regardless of their size.

How do you clean a 5-micron filter?

Examine the trash filter and water tanks, and flush them if necessary.

Clean all sediment and from the water tanks and the trash filter thoroughly by following your unit’s user manual.

Flush the lines from the tank to the trash filter and the return line from the clean water tank.

Prepare a half-full 5-gallon bucket of clean and chlorinated water.

Remove the filter using rubber gloves as it may have some nasty contaminants.

Place the filter into the bucket. Note that chlorine might reduce the efficacy of activated charcoal, however.

Gently scrub the accumulated solids from the surface using a soft plastic brush.

Rinse all visible residue until the filter looks clean.

Install it back into the unit.

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Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Environmental Protection Agency

Water Quality Association