The majority of Americans in the United States consider+ the pollution of drinking water their number one environmental concern.  This was the conclusion reached as a result of the 2010 Gallop Poll on environmental issues.  Of the eight issues surveyed, while water pollution ranked at the list’s top, global warming concerned those polled the least.

The poll is consistent with the increased interest Americans have in the purification of their drinking water.  While many find that purchasing bottled water is the answer, others are more skeptical and not convinced that bottled water is safer than the water that comes out of the tap.  A higher number are opting for the installation of a carbon filter – a device that can be attached to the drinking water source in the home.

Using a carbon filter is an effective way to treat drinking water at home – in particular, the granular activated carbon filter (GAC).  These filters remove inorganic and organic chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide, which gives the water a putrid odor and taste.

Granular activated carbon is a charcoal made from raw materials that contain high levels of carbon made from raw materials including, but not exclusive to, coal and coconut shells.  Heat is used to increase the surface area of the carbon, a process know as activated carbon.  It is this activated carbon that removes the impurities from the water and captures them in the GAC filter.

Depending upon individual situations, two types of GAC filters are popular in the U.S.: point of entry and point of use.  Point of entry are  whole-house carbon water filters.  Directly installed to the main source of a home’s water supply, the result is the water being treated that  travels to any faucet or water-using appliance (dish washer, washing machine, etc.).  This filter protects against harmful chemicals that can be introduced to the body by ingestion, inhalation or absorption into the skin.

Point of use filters are installed in the water supply pipe, just before the faucet. There are under and over the sink models, as well as units to filter the water supply going to a refrigerator and/or ice maker.  This type of filter will only protect the against chemicals that are ingested, not inhaled or absorbed. –  And it will not protect other faucets.

Whichever carbon filtration system is used, filter replacement and maintenance must be done regularly in order to avoid bacterial build-up.