WQRF.ORG
  • Home
    • WQRF Board
  • Network
    • Water Experts
  • 2025 Student Poster Gallery
  • RESEARCH
    • Research & Summaries
    • Webinars
    • Request for Proposals
  • Data Tools
    • Contaminant Map
    • 1-Minute Video Summaries
    • Softening Benefits Calculator
    • Softened Water Toolkit
  • EDUCATION
    • PFAS Resources
    • Contaminants & Risks
    • Treatment Options
  • Next Wave Campaign
    • Campaign Leadership
    • Campaign Supporters
  • Donate
  • Events
    • Walk for Water
    • WQRF @ WQA Convention
Picture
Activated Carbon
About the Project
Home > Education > Treatment Options > Types of Drinking Water Treatment > Activated Carbon​​

​Why Activated Carbon is The Most Used Technology in Water Treatment 

About Activated Carbon
Activated Carbon (AC) is perhaps the most universally used technology, primarily used to remove organic chemicals. The filters act as an adsorbent to remove or reduce levels of water contaminants that affect the taste and odor of water, as well as harmful solvents, pesticides, and hazardous chemical wastes. They can also reduce radioactive compounds, chlorine, disinfection by-products, and lead. However, activated carbon does not remove harmful microbes. 
Certified Treatment Devices
Click here to search for water treatment devices that have been certified to NSF/ANSI standards. Certification ensures that the device is made from safe materials and the contaminant reduction claims listed on the packaging are verified by independent lab testing. 
Examples of Activated Carbon Treatment Devices
Picture
Example of a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) system
Picture
Example of a pour-through pitcher
Picture
Example of a faucet-attachment device
Picture
Example of a multi-barrier system with AC pre- and post-filtration (E.g., Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) or Activated Carbon Block (ACB)
Benefits
  • ​Can remove radioactive compounds, chlorine, disinfection by-products (DPBs) and lead 
  • Effective for improving taste and odor 
  • Affordable and widely available
Limitations
  • Not effective for microbes, minerals, and dissolved solids
  • Low flow rate
Other Resources: 
  • 05/2015 Why a POU Device? [Link] 
  • 08/2016 Eliminating Chlorine Residuals from Tap Water [Link]​​
  • Water Quality Association: Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Fact Sheet [Link]
  • EPA – A Citizen’s Guide to Activated Carbon Treatment [Link]​​

Our Sponsors

Picture
Picture

WQRF | Knowledge of Quality Water


  • Home
    • WQRF Board
  • Network
    • Water Experts
  • 2025 Student Poster Gallery
  • RESEARCH
    • Research & Summaries
    • Webinars
    • Request for Proposals
  • Data Tools
    • Contaminant Map
    • 1-Minute Video Summaries
    • Softening Benefits Calculator
    • Softened Water Toolkit
  • EDUCATION
    • PFAS Resources
    • Contaminants & Risks
    • Treatment Options
  • Next Wave Campaign
    • Campaign Leadership
    • Campaign Supporters
  • Donate
  • Events
    • Walk for Water
    • WQRF @ WQA Convention