Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: May 17, 2023
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Among the various options for filtering water that are available on the market, gravity-based water filters feature one of the simplest and most intuitive designs.
This, combined with their low cost, has made them popular on the consumer market in recent years.
People use gravity-based filters on the go, as well as in their homes.
But, is a gravity-based water purifier safe to use?
Key Takeaways
So, are gravity water filters safe?
Generally speaking, yes, gravity-based water purifiers are safe. They can remove various types of water contaminants, and their design offers some inherent advantages over other methods of filtration. Most notably, water is filtered very slowly which gives the filter more time to do its job – think contact with filter media.
How safe a gravity-based water purifier is for you specifically depends on the kinds of contaminants you need to remove. While a gravity filter can get rid of many different water pollutants, it’s not very effective against others.
To ensure that the gravity water purifier you’re choosing is safe for your specific circumstances, you should have your water tested to find out what kinds of contaminants you’re dealing with. Then, you can narrow down your search to a model that uses an appropriate combination of filtering methods.
If you just want something that’s as thorough as possible and covers most bases, you can look into Berkey gravity water filters for example. They use filter candles with a core made from carbon, ion exchange, and other filter media. Microscopic pores allows them to remove a variety of contaminants, including:
Besides, in order to keep your gravity water filter in good shape, you should clean its tanks on a regular basis. Every other week is a good starting point. Just take the thing apart and clean with dishwater. The filters themselves may need cleaning and re-priming every few weeks, depending on the quality of the feed water.
The effectiveness of gravity-based water purifiers depends mainly on the type of filtration used in the design. For example, carbon filters can remove many unpleasant and unhealthy chemicals, while also improving the taste and odor of the water. Ion exchange filters, on the other hand, work well against heavy metals and other ions. You can also use a ceramic filter to address many types of floating particles, including bacteria and cysts.
If you’re specifically interested in removing bacteria from your water, you should look for a gravity filter with NSF Standard 244 testing/certification. Depending on the specific filter type used internally, these filters can sometimes remove bacteria with an effectiveness of over 99.999%.
You shouldn’t automatically assume that a gravity-based water purifier can remove bacteria, though. That’s why it’s important to look at the model’s specifications and know what you need in advance.
A gravity water filter is a simple contraption. The basic design utilizes two chambers connected vertically. The top chamber is where you fill the filter with water, and the bottom chamber collects the filtered water. Between the two chambers, you’ll find one or more filters that purify water as it runs down through them. Since water naturally flows down due to gravity, there’s no need to use electricity or additional water pressure to keep the filter working.
Countertop gravity water filters, as their name implies, are designed to be used indoors without being moved too much. While it’s not impossible to pack one up and take it with you on a camping trip, the bulky design of these filters makes them rather unsuitable for that. They can take up a lot more space than a portable variant, without providing any additional benefits.
Gravity filter bags are perfect for outdoor activities. They are flexible and can be rolled up for easy transportation. To use a gravity filter bladder, you just need to find a high enough spot to hang it from. These filters tend to focus on removing microorganisms and other contaminants commonly found in outdoor water sources.
If you have any thoughts about the question, is a gravity-based water purifier safe, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
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