Water filtering bottles are a portable way to ensure safe drinking water. Generally, filtration removes a variety of impurities from water in order to produce water that is safe for consumption. Among the common methods of water bottle filters are carbon filtration, micro-cloth filtration, and ultraviolet (UV) light filtration.

Carbon filtration utilizes activated carbon to draw impurities out of the water. Typically, the carbon is activated with a positive charge and pulls negatively charged impurities out of the water and into the filter. Carbon filtration tends to be able to remove chlorine, sediments and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) the best. It is one of the oldest water filtration methods known to man.

Micro-cloth filtration constructs a filter from minuscule fibers measuring less than one denier per fiber. A denier is a measurement used to size fibers. By forcing the water through the micro-cloth, contaminants are removed and left behind on the micro-cloth. A micro-cloth may be coated with some type of chemical to draw additional impurities to the filter. Micro-cloth filtration may last the least amount of time, due to the screening effect of the micro-cloth and the number of impurities that pass through.

UV water filtration neuters biological impurities by rendering them unable to reproduce through UV radiation. However, with exposure to visible light spectrums, reactivation of the impurities can take place over time. UV filtration works best in clear water that will be ingested relatively quickly following the filtration process. UV filtration does not remove the impurities, but simply renders them inert.

Among other types of water filtration are ceramic filters, distillation, and reverse osmosis. Many more methods of water filtration have been engineered, but are not widely used. Depending on the water to be filtered, different filtering systems may be best. A filter should be chosen depending upon the water's source to ensure maximum filtration. There are currently no filters which remove 100% of all different types of contaminants.

By using filtering water bottles, people can be assured the water they are drinking is safe. Keeping hydrated is an easy way to cool down, and even crucial to survival in extreme heat. Choosing the correct water bottle filter can keep people safely hydrated. For reasons of safety, replace filters regularly, as they will lose efficiency with continuous usage. A bottle with a water filter can be an inexpensive purchase for a person concerned about their drinking water.

I am on a voyage of discovery on the topic of filtering water bottles and their uses and types. Especially when camping or hiking where on does not want to carry heavy water bottles around when sources of water are all around. It just needs to be filtered.