What is the main purpose of a charcoal filter?

The main purpose of a charcoal filter is to eliminate chlorine, taste, and odor from water. Charcoal, specifically activated charcoal, is highly effective in adsorption, which is the process by which molecules adhere to the surface of a solid. This property makes it particularly useful for filtering out chlorine and other organic compounds that contribute to unpleasant tastes and odors in drinking water. By capturing these impurities, charcoal filters improve the overall quality and palatability of water.

While other filtration methods may focus on different aspects of water treatment—such as softening water, removing suspended solids, or providing chemical treatment—charcoal filters are specifically designed for refining taste and smell by targeting chlorine and other similar contaminants. This specialization underscores the effectiveness of charcoal filters in enhancing the sensory properties of the water, making them popular in both residential and commercial water purification systems.