Active charcoal - Filter your tap water!
Romain Backes
What is activated charcoal?
Quick Summary
- Activated carbon: ultra-porous natural material, made from steam-activated wood or plant shells.
- Main function: adsorption of impurities (chlorine, odors, pesticides, VOCs).
- Highlights: improves the taste of water, economical, natural, easy to integrate into filtration.
- Boundaries : does not filter nitrates, viruses or bacteria on its own, requires regular changing.
What exactly is activated charcoal?
At first glance, it looks like crushed charcoal. But in reality, activated charcoal is a ultra-porous material obtained by heating organic materials (such as wood, nutshells, or bamboo) at very high temperatures, without oxygen, and then activating it with steam or chemical agents.
The result? A surface filled with micro-pores, capable of capturing a large number of substances, even those invisible to the naked eye.
How does it work?
Activated charcoal acts a bit like a sponge… but a chemical sponge. It’s not magic, but a phenomenon called adsorption : unwanted molecules stick to the porous surface of the coal, a bit like magnets.
It is particularly effective against:
- Unpleasant tastes and odors
- Chlorine
- Certain pesticides and herbicides
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Why is it useful in water filtration?
If you want to drink healthier, purer water with no aftertaste, activated charcoal is your best friend. It's found in:
- Domestic or professional water fountains
- Filter jugs
- Under-sink filters or gravity systems
- Some refrigerators with water dispenser
At the house of Backes Fountain, we use in particular compressed activated carbon filters, efficient and durable, perfect for home or office.
Summary table
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Wood, nutshells, charcoal |
| Activation | Steam or chemical agents |
| Main function | Adsorption of impurities |
| Filtration capacity | Very high (chlorine, VOCs, pesticides, etc.) |
| Lifetime | Approximately 6 months (depending on use) |
| Recyclability | Variable, depending on model |
| Present at Fontaine Backes? | Yes in our Stefani filter cartridges! |
Limitations and precautions
Although it is very effective, activated carbon does not filter everything. It does not block nitrates, nor the bacteria or viruses (unless combined with other filters).
It must also be replaced regularly to remain effective. This is why we sell Stéfani filter cartridges, because they offer triple filtration, for more complete purification.
Natural or compressed activated carbon?
There are several forms of activated charcoal:
- Pellets: effective but sometimes cumbersome
- Compressed (block): more compact, more efficient, low pressure loss
Stefani filter cartridges are made of activated carbon from coconut shells in granular form, they are inside the kaolin shell of the filter cartridge.
Why are we telling you about it?
Because filtering water shouldn't be a luxury. When you know that activated carbon can improve the quality of that water—without chemicals or electricity—it's hard not to talk about it passionately.
It's the foundation of any filtration system. A pillar. A discreet, yet incredibly effective hero.
Conclusion
Activated charcoal is more than just an ingredient: it's a natural, accessible, and powerful solution for improving your water quality every day.
If you want to purchase a filtration system with laboratory analyses and capable of filtering up to 99% of bacteria, most heavy metals and pesticides and others.
We invite you to consult our website: www.fontainebackes.com