Microplastics vs. Nanoplastics: Why Size Changes Everything
Plastic pollution in drinking water is often discussed as a single issue. In reality, microplastics and nanoplastics are fundamentally different threats. The difference is not just scale — it is biological behavior, mobility, and risk profile. What Is the Difference? This size difference determines how these particles interact with water, filtration systems, and the human […]
The PFAS Substitution Problem: Why “PFAS-Free” Does Not Mean Risk-Free
As public awareness of PFAS grows, “PFAS-free” has become a powerful label. It suggests safety, responsibility, and progress. But in reality, PFAS-free does not automatically mean harmless. In many cases, it simply means that one group of chemicals has been replaced by another—often far less studied. From Long-Chain to Short-Chain PFAS Regulatory pressure has led […]
Water Filters and Maintenance Reality: What Happens When Systems Are Not Serviced
Water filters are often purchased as a one-time solution: install, forget, trust. In reality, filtration systems are not passive devices. Without proper maintenance, even the best filter can lose effectiveness — or become a source of new problems. What happens when filters are not serviced is rarely discussed, but critical for long-term water quality. Filtration […]
Under-Sink vs. Countertop Filters: The Hidden Trade-Offs Nobody Mentions
When choosing a water filter, the decision often comes down to under-sink or countertop systems. Most comparisons focus on convenience and price. What’s rarely discussed are the technical and practical trade-offs that actually determine long-term performance, water quality, and user satisfaction. The Convenience Argument — and Its Limits Countertop filters are popular because they are […]
Why Stainless Steel Matters in Drinking Water Systems (and When It Doesn’t)
Material choice in drinking water systems is often reduced to one simple claim: stainless steel is better. While stainless steel does offer important advantages, it is not automatically superior in every application. Understanding when it matters—and when it doesn’t—is key to making informed decisions about water quality. Why Materials Matter in the First Place Drinking […]
Contact Time vs. Micron Rating: The Most Misunderstood Concept in Water Filtration
When people compare water filters, the first number they look for is often the smallest one: micron rating. 0.5 µm, 0.1 µm, 0.0001 µm. Smaller sounds better. In reality, micron rating alone says very little about how well a filter actually works. What truly determines filtration performance for many contaminants is contact time. What Micron […]
Why Filter Lifetimes Are Marketing Numbers — and What Actually Determines Performance Loss
Most water filters are sold with impressive promises: 6 months, 12 months, 10,000 liters. These numbers feel precise and reassuring. In reality, filter lifetime is not a fixed value. It is a marketing simplification of a complex physical and chemical process. What truly matters is performance loss — and that is determined by conditions most […]
What “Clean Water” Really Means in 2025: Legal Limits vs. Biological Reality
Drinking water is considered “clean” when it complies with legal standards. But in 2025, this definition is increasingly being questioned. Regulatory limits are designed for population-level safety, not for long-term biological optimization. What is legally acceptable is not always biologically harmless. Legal Compliance Does Not Equal Zero Risk Drinking water regulations set maximum allowable concentrations […]
Why smart surface technologies are defining the next generation of water filtration
Water purification is evolving — and „smart surfaces“ make the differenceTraditional filters and membranes often reach their limits when it comes to modern challenges such as PFAS, drug residues, nanoplastics and complex mixed impurities. New approaches are therefore relying on so-called smart-surface technologies: membranes or filter materials whose surfaces are designed for nanosubbes or microbes […]
The Truth About Activated Carbon: Why Some Filters Barely Remove PFAS & Pharmaceuticals – And Others Excel
Activated carbon is not a universal solutionThe effectiveness of activated carbon depends heavily on its pore structure, surface area and contact time. Many consumer-grade filters use coarse or low-volume carbon layers that are insufficient for removing persistent contaminants. Research shows that only high-surface-area microporous carbon (PAC or high-grade GAC) can reliably adsorb PFAS and pharmaceutical […]