Most of us rely on a treated public water supply, deemed safe for consumption, but it can often carry unpleasant tastes and odours due to chemicals like chlorine used for disinfection to keep the water free from germs and bacteria. Additionally, depending on your location, the mains water might cause limescale deposits, leading to pipe blockages and appliance damage. These concerns, including chlorine taste/odour and limescale formation, are just a couple of the many water issues that can be addressed through water filtration.

In this blog we delve into a subject deeply rooted in our brand heritage, ceramic water filters. Our goal is to pass on our extensive knowledge and expertise spanning over two centuries.

Ceramic water filters, as pioneered by Henry Doulton® in the early 1800s, indeed have a rich history and are among the oldest filtration techniques still in use today. They are made from a combination of clay and combustible materials, which are fired at high temperatures to create a porous ceramic structure. Ceramic water filters have gained widespread use around the world as an inexpensive method to treat microbially contaminated water₁. But what is the mechanism behind how water filters actually work?

How do ceramic water filters work?

Ceramic water filters have a relatively high efficiency at removing bacterial contaminants from drinking water₂.  The small pore size in the ceramic material prevents these contaminants from passing through, providing consumers with a reliable method of ensuring water purity. Typically, bacterial contaminants are trapped in the nano- and microscale pores of ceramic water filters when the water that has been introduced flows through their porous structure₃. Research by Van der Laan 2014 showed that ceramic water filters can remove more than 99.9% of bacterial contaminants₄.  

Are ceramic water filters good?

Absolutely! Ceramic water filters are highly effective, and you'll undoubtedly notice a noticeable improvement in the taste and quality of tap water when using them. Ceramic water filters offer a fantastic solution for enhancing the taste and eliminating contaminants, effectively reducing the potential hazards associated with consuming unhealthy tap water. They are not only a very efficient option, but they are an environmentally friendly one as ceramic is made from 100% natural earths.

How long do ceramic water filters last?

Every filtering system operates on a common principle: water flows through a detachable cartridge containing a filtering medium like activated charcoal. However, filters can be prone to bacterial growth, clogging, and a subsequent loss of effectiveness over time. Therefore, we strongly advise replacing the filter elements every six months to ensure your water remains free of any bacterial contaminants.

Doulton's filters boast minimal maintenance needs due to their exceptional durability and extended lifespan, which reduces the frequency of replacements. Simply conducting routine cleaning of the ceramic element is usually enough to ensure the filter operates at its best. As a result, they present an excellent solution for individuals in search of a hassle-free and effortlessly manageable water purification option.

Where to buy ceramic water filters?

The average bottled water consuming household spends about £3,114.67 per year on bottled water. Most people would guess considerably less as the cost per individual bottled is much lower. By switching from bottled water to a tap water using a water filter from Doulton, a family of four can potentially save £2,791.82 per year. Read more about the Surprising Cost Difference Between Bottled Water Vs Filtered Water!

One of the significant advantages of using ceramic filters for water is their cost-effectiveness and you can buy them from the pioneers, Doulton®. Our ceramic filters for water treatment are purposefully crafted to offer an economical and efficient solution for water purification. These filters effectively eliminate contaminants, ensuring your tap water becomes a source of pure, refreshing taste. With our water filter systems, undesirable flavours and odours from the mains water are removed, providing clean and fresh-tasting water at your convenience. The HIP Biotect Ultra Inline, among our range of domestic systems, exemplifies compactness and ease of installation, making it an ideal choice for placing under a sink or in limited spaces.

Alternatively, you have the option of utilising a British Berkefeld® Stainless Steel Gravity System. This self-contained system enables you to purify polluted or contaminated water effortlessly, harnessing the power of gravity. The gravity system consists of two chambers: the upper chamber serves as the input for pouring in your contaminated water, while the lower chamber acts as the endpoint where the water is transformed into filtered, clean water. The British Berkefeld® Stainless Steel Gravity Water Filters stand out due to there remarkable convenience, as it operates without the need for plumbing or electricity, making it an efficient and eco-friendly choice.

References:

1. Bielefeldt, A. R., Kowalski, K., & Summers, R. S. (2009). Bacterial treatment effectiveness of point-of-use ceramic water filters. Water research, 43(14), 3559-3565.
2. Nigay, P. M., Salifu, A. A., Obayemi, J. D., White, C. E., Nzihou, A., & Soboyejo, W. O. (2019). Ceramic water filters for the removal of bacterial, chemical, and viral contaminants. Journal of Environmental Engineering, 145(10), 04019066.
3. Nigay, P. M., Salifu, A. A., Obayemi, J. D., White, C. E., Nzihou, A., & Soboyejo, W. O. (2019). Ceramic water filters for the removal of bacterial, chemical, and viral contaminants. Journal of Environmental Engineering, 145(10), 04019066.
4. Van der Laan, H., Van Halem, D., Smeets, P. W. M. H., Soppe, A. I. A., Kroesbergen, J., Wubbels, G., ... & Heijman, S. G. J. (2014). Bacteria and virus removal effectiveness of ceramic pot filters with different silver applications in a long term experiment. Water research, 51, 47-54.