We filter our drinking water at home, though itโs not because thereโs a risk of giardia or heavy metals in the tap water where we live. Personally, I just like the taste of water thatโs been run through activated carbon. If your own water is safe from heavy metals, but you still like the way water tastes when itโs been through something like a Britta filter, thereโs an easy way to convert the filter to be reusable, saving a ton of waste and a bit of money.
Your standard Brita pitcher filter contains two components, an ion exchange resin that is used to reduce heavy metals, and a bunch of activated carbon which is used to remove chlorine and various organic impurities that can affect the waterโs quality and taste. Iโm not sure about how to go about recharging or replacing the ion exchange resin, but activated carbon is available in any pet store, where it is sold for aquarium water filtration.
Below is a link to an Instructable which shows you how to convert a Brita pitcher filter into a refillable carbon filter. Youโll only need a couple standard tools to do the conversion, and when itโs complete youโll have great tasting water, youโll be able to do refills for about 50 cents a cartridge, and you wonโt be tossing a one-time-use hunk of plastic in the landfill.
Refill A โDisposableโ Brita Water Filter With Activated Carbon
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