What Suppliers are Not Telling Us about Activated Carbon Filters

As Water Treatment Specialists we like to accentuate the positives of the activated carbon filters that we sell and install. Yes there are differentials in the type, additives and purity of our carbon products. In Water Conditioning more knowledge equals better water, it is that simple. What we (meaning our industry as a whole) don't talk about enough is that carbon alone is insufficient to remove some organic contaminants. Testing for some of these things requires the help of laboratories who are proficient with the extensive techniques required to be certified for a given range of procedures. Having those kinds of tests performed by certified labs has a cost and some Water Treatment Companies are reluctant to bring this to a new prospect's attention. Even more so given the economic pressure of the masses who are oftentimes seeking the lowest price, and are actively getting quotes from several Water Treatment Companies.

I get it, as Water Treatment Specialists competing in a marketplace we have all experienced situations where we arrive to perform an estimate and there is another uniformed guy from a different company leaving the home where we are scheduled to meet a prospect for a "free" water analysis and testing. In that situation it can feel like your time isn't really being valued. It isn't, deal with it. The prospect had simply accepted your offer for a free estimate and had no further obligation to you. That is simply the way that many people conduct their business. You have to just suck it up and do your job. The estimate certainly is not free for you but if you think about it is is included in our costs and price points.

Given this reality of human behavior, it is not difficult to imagine that one might also be tempted, under duress of financial considerations to cut some corners, to be competitive and to try to win more sales. Commissioned salespeople are especially prone to such temptations. One manifestation seen in our industry is that a Treatment Specialist will abstain from facilitating the costly help of local laboratories in determining contaminants. Frankly, that kind of practice is grossly negligent and unfair. People are depending on us to help ensure the safe drinking water for their families. The best prospect and/or customer is an informed prospect or customer!

The best practice is as follows; Provide full disclosure and let the homeowner decide on the range of testing that will be used to determine water conditioning.

So here it is the bombshell: While activated carbon is effective at removing many organic contaminants, there are certain pesticides and herbicides that it may struggle to remove completely. Some examples of pesticides and herbicides that may require supplemental treatment include:

1. Glyphosate: Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in agriculture and landscaping. It can be challenging to remove completely using activated carbon, as its molecular structure makes it less absorbable.

2. Atrazine: Atrazine is a commonly used herbicide in agricultural settings. It is persistent and can pose challenges for complete removal with activated carbon alone. Additional treatment methods, such as advanced oxidation or biological degradation, may be necessary.

3. 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D): 2,4-D is a herbicide widely used for weed control. While activated carbon can remove some 2,4-D, it may not be fully effective in removing it, especially in higher concentrations.

4. Imidacloprid: Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide used in agriculture and horticulture. Due to its chemical properties, complete removal with activated carbon alone can be challenging, requiring additional treatment methods.

In cases where these pesticides/herbicides or similar ones are of concern, additional treatment methods such as advanced oxidation processes, reverse osmosis, or biological degradation may be necessary to achieve complete removal. So, especially, if you are proposing an option to use an activated charcoal filter as a stand alone filtering device, remember the possibility that such herbicides and pesticides may be present. It is good practice to outsource specific tests to the specific certified laboratory whom are performing these tests on a daily basis. It is very good if you can have this third party, people who practice "generally accepted scientific methodology" squarely in your corner. "Garbage in garbage out", an important factor to consider. At a minimum, you need to know what contaminants possibly might be present in the groundwater in order to design an effective water treatment train. Anything less is negligence. We are dealing with peoples water folks, let's get it together.

Sadly, oftentimes it are the customers themselves although informed of the risks, who decide to cut costs and forego such tests. One series of tests typically cost a few hundred bucks. If there are a variety of concerns it might take a few different labs and testing to get the full picture. All we can do in the practice of applied science is be transparent and try to protect the health and safety of our clients as best as we can under the circumstances.