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Water Filter vs Water Purifier: What are the differences?

Are you really sure about the water you drink? Whether in our homes, offices or holiday destinations, we've all heard alarming stories about water quality. But do you know how to ensure the purity of every drop you drink? Water filter or water purifier: which should you choose to guarantee clean, safe water? The challenge may seem daunting, but we're here to guide you.

While a water filter and a water purifier have similar objectives - to improve the quality of the water we drink - they use different methods and deal with different types of contaminants.

Water Filter: A Basic Solution

Water filters are designed to remove or reduce particles and specific pollutants from water, including chlorine, lead, mercury, certain pesticides and sometimes bacteria and protozoa.

They generally use a physical filtration method, which may include activated carbon, ceramic and other types of filter. However, they are generally not capable of eliminating all types of micro-organisms, particularly viruses, which are much smaller.

Some examples of tap water filters

Systems that use water filtration to purify water include :

Filter carafes These water filtration systems are portable and require no installation. They work by pouring water into a carafe where it is filtered before being poured out. The Brita water filter is a popular example of this category.
On-tap filters: These filters are attached directly to the tap and filter the water on demand. They are easy to install and use.
Under-sink filters: These systems are installed under the sink and filter the water before it reaches the tap. They are generally more effective at removing contaminants than carafes or on-tap filters, but they are also more expensive and require more complex installation.

Read also: Tap water filter: What to choose

Water Purifiers: A Higher Level of Protection

Water purifiers, on the other hand, are capable of eliminating all types of micro-organisms, including bacteria, protozoa and viruses. They often use a combination of filtration and other methods, such as ultraviolet (UV) or oxidation, to kill or inactivate micro-organisms. Some water purifiers also remove certain chemicals and heavy metals, but not all are designed to do so.

A water purifier is therefore a device that cleans water at a much deeper level than ordinary water filters.

To find out more, see our Guide to water purifiers

UV-A water purifier

A UV-A water purifier is an innovative, environmentally-friendly device that uses UV-A technology to purify tap water.

Unlike the UV-C lightUV-A light destroys the chlorine present in tap water. The reaction not only eliminates chlorine, but also significantly reduces bacteria, traces of pesticides and pharmaceutical contaminants. The UV-A LEDs in these water purifiers destroy the chlorine, its by-products and any other contaminants present in the water. and 100% bacteria.

LaVie is the leader in UV-A water purifiers. LaVie water purifiers operate without filters or maintenance and can purify your tap water in 15 minutes. They are automatic, with automatic start-up and shut-down.

They use an innovative, patented technology exclusive to LaVie: photolysis of chlorine using UV-A radiation. This is an advanced oxidation process that eliminates chlorine and its by-products, chemical compounds such as certain pesticides or traces of medicines, and the tastes and odours that can be found in tap water. The result is high quality water that will put a definitive end to the consumption of bottled water.

Here's how a LaVie water purifier works:

1. Fill in

Your LaVie bottle of tap water

2. Insert

The bottle in the purifier

3. Wait

Time taken for UV-A light to activate chlorine photolysis (15 minutes)

4. Enjoy!

And enjoy the real taste of healthy water!

The carbon footprint associated with the manufacture of the UV water purifier's aluminium tube is neutralised in just a few days of use, compared with the equivalent consumption of water in plastic bottles. What's more, it's highly efficient in terms of energy consumption, capable of purifying 1,000 litres of water for €1.5 worth of electricity. Find all LaVie water purifiers.

Read also: What is the average water consumption of French households?

So the choice of a water treatment system should be based on your specific needs. You might opt for a water filter if your water contains mainly sediment and particles. If you are concerned about the presence of chemical pollutants, viruses and bacteria, a water purifier would be a more appropriate choice. Don't just hope your water is safe, take steps to ensure it's pure. Because your health, and that of your loved ones, is priceless. Act now, because the water you drink today can affect your well-being tomorrow. Remember, good health starts with clean water!

Article written on 23/05/2023 by Pascal Nuti - CIO Solable - Passionate about energy, I'm constantly on the lookout for new targets for improvement, exploring cross-disciplinary paths using novel methods.