Gravity filters vs. Reverse osmosis:

Which is right for you?

Access to clean water is essential for maintaining good health and preventing waterborne diseases. As concerns about tap water quality grow, more people are turning to water filtration systems to ensure their drinking water is safe. Issues such as the taste, smell, and presence of chemicals in tap water have led many individuals to prefer filtered water, not only for its improved taste but also for greater peace of mind regarding water safety. While gravity filters effectively improve taste and reduce minor impurities, reverse osmosis systems offer a more comprehensive solution, removing a broader range of contaminants. Check the benefits of each method and determine which solution meets your needs best.

step by step

How gravity filters work  

Gravity filters simplify the filtration process using the natural pull of gravity to remove contaminants:

Step 1: pouring the water
Unfiltered water is poured into the upper chamber of the gravity filter.
Step 2: gravity-driven filtration
Gravity pulls the water down through a filter element composed of microscopic pores. This element prevents contaminants and pollutants from passing through, allowing only clean water to flow into the lower chamber.
Step 3: layered filtration
The water passes through various layers of filtration media, often arranged in a stratified manner, with coarser, larger particles at the top and finer, smaller particles at the bottom. This helps the filter capture a wide range of contaminants.
Step 4: collection of filtered water
The filtered water collects in the lower chamber, ready for use.

Gravity filters are user-friendly and effective for basic purification but may not capture all contaminants.

step by step

How AquaTru’s advanced RO filtration works

AquaTru’s reverse osmosis systems offer a deeper clean than gravity filters, utilising patented 4-stage technology that surpasses other RO systems. Unlike others that might use varied filter combinations, AquaTru’s unique setup is specifically designed to maximise contaminant removal while ensuring ease of use at home.

Stages of AquaTru’s filtration system:

  1. Sediment filter: the process starts by capturing larger particles such as dirt and silt.
  2. Carbon filter: this stage tackles chlorine and other chemicals, improving the water's taste and prolonging the RO membrane's lifespan.
  3. Reverse osmosis membrane: here, the system removes nearly all contaminants, including heavy metals and pharmaceuticals, ensuring exceptionally pure water.
  4. VOC Polishing filter: completes the process by refining the water’s taste, delivering consistently fresh and clean water.

AquaTru’s advanced multi-step process effectively removes up to 99% of harmful contaminants, ensuring you receive the highest quality water for daily use. This efficiency has undergone independent testing and scientific validation.

  • Key benefits of AquaTru’s RO filters:

    • Highly effective: eliminates up to 99% of harmful substances, such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
    • Enhanced water taste and odour: the multi-layer filtration system ensures the water tastes crisp and fresh.
    • Durable filtration system: built with high-quality components, AquaTru filters require fewer replacements and less maintenance than other systems.
    • Ideal for home use: the perfect solution for families seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one system to guarantee safe drinking water.
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Key considerations: cost, environmental footprint, and ease of use 

When selecting a water filtration system, it’s important to weigh factors such as cost, environmental impact, and user convenience, in addition to filtration efficiency. Below is a comparison of gravity filters and reverse osmosis systems like AquaTru, highlighting these key aspects to guide your decision.

Filtration effectiveness

  • Gravity filters provide basic filtration by reducing chlorine and improving the taste and odour of water, but they are less effective against more harmful contaminants. AquaTru’s reverse osmosis technology removes up to 99% of harmful substances, offering a far more effective solution for ensuring your water is safe, clean, and pure.

Cost and Long-Term Investment 

  • Gravity filters have a lower upfront cost but may lead to higher expenses over time due to frequent filter replacements. Reverse osmosis systems like AquaTru, while more expensive initially, offer savings in the long term with less frequent maintenance and potential reductions in bottled water costs.

Environmental Impact

  • Gravity filters are energy-efficient but contribute more to waste due to shorter filter lifespans. AquaTru RO systems, despite requiring electricity, generate less waste over time and help reduce plastic waste from bottled water.

User Experience and Convenience 

  • Gravity filters are easy to set up but require more frequent maintenance and manual refilling, making them less convenient for larger households. AquaTru RO systems are designed for ease of use with larger storage capacity and less frequent maintenance, providing a more convenient solution for regular household use.

    Gravity filters are cost-effective for basic filtration, while reverse osmosis systems, like AquaTru, offer more thorough purification by removing a broader range of contaminants. Although RO systems have a higher upfront cost, their long-term benefits—reduced maintenance and superior water quality—make them a compelling choice for comprehensive water purification. What sets AquaTru apart is its independent certification by IAPMO, tested to NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53, 58, and 401. AquaTru removes up to 99% of harmful substances, ensuring reliable and safe filtration, with performance data available for review.

For more information about AquaTru and its advantages, visit our ‘Why AQT’ page. Discover how AquaTru can help you achieve superior water quality in your home. Be sure to check our performance data sheets for the Carafe and Classic to see how effectively AquaTru countertops filter contaminants.

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