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Filtered vs. Purified Water: What’s the Difference?

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When it comes to better water for your home, the terms filtered and purified are often used interchangeably — but they are not the same. Understanding the difference helps you make an informed decision about what type of system best supports your family’s health, comfort, and lifestyle.

At a glance:

  • Filtered water removes impurities like sediment, chlorine, and certain chemicals.

  • Purified water undergoes a more intensive treatment that removes almost all contaminants, including dissolved solids and microorganisms.

Let’s break down how each process works and how to choose the best option for your home.

What Is Filtered Water?

Filtered water is typically tap water that has passed through one or more filtration stages to remove certain contaminants. Most filtration systems use activated carbon or sediment filters.

Common contaminants removed through filtration include:

  • Chlorine

  • Sediment (sand, rust, dirt)

  • Unpleasant tastes and odors

  • Some chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Filtration improves the taste, smell, and appearance of water and provides a significant improvement over unfiltered tap water.

For many households, filtered water is a major upgrade — especially those struggling with chlorine taste, municipal water odors, or mineral buildup.

What Is Purified Water?

Purified water goes through a more advanced and rigorous process. In order for water to be labeled “purified,” it must meet strict standards set by regulatory guidelines, meaning 99% of contaminants are removed.

Common purification methods include:

  • Reverse osmosis (RO) — forces water through a semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved solids and contaminants at a molecular level.

  • Deionization — removes mineral ions like calcium, magnesium, and sodium.

  • Distillation — boils water and collects the vapor, leaving impurities and contaminants behind.

Purified water removes far more than filtration can, including:

  • Lead

  • Arsenic

  • Fluoride

  • Bacteria and microorganisms

  • Dissolved solids

  • Pesticides and pharmaceuticals

Purified water is ideal for people wanting the cleanest and safest drinking water possible, especially if they rely on well water or live in areas with known water contaminants.

Which Is Better for Your Home?

The “best” type of water depends on your goals.

Choose filtered water if you want:

  • Better-tasting and better-smelling water

  • A cost-effective upgrade over tap water

  • Reduction in chlorine and sediment

Choose purified water if you want:

  • Maximum contaminant removal

  • The highest-quality drinking water

  • Extra protection against dissolved solids or microorganisms

Many homeowners choose a whole-house filtration system for overall water quality and pair it with a reverse osmosis system for purified drinking water at the kitchen sink.

This gives you the best of both worlds — filtered water throughout the home and purified water where it matters most.

Cleaner Water Starts With the Right Solution

Choosing between filtered and purified water depends on your priorities, but one thing is certain: clean water matters. Better water protects your family’s health, your plumbing, and your appliances.

If you’re unsure which solution is right for your home, we’re here to guide you.

Contact Pure Water Systems of Nevada at (775) 261-8565 to schedule your free water evaluation today. We’ll test your water, explain your results, and help you choose the best system to fit your needs and budget.