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  • Part I. How to choose a water filter? Microns: The fine print that actually matters

Part I. How to choose a water filter? Microns: The fine print that actually matters

Everything you need to know, minus the hype.

THE WATER METHOD TO WELLNESS

HEY FROM THE SHORE

Welcome to your home for real hydration and clear thinking. Around here, water isn’t just something you drink — it’s how you live. Curious. Intentional. Less product. More presence.

We’re here to cut through the noise, bust hydration myths, and help you reconnect — with your body (the water in your cells), your watershed, and what truly matters. Simplicity over hype.

— Clouds

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Splash of the Week

What the F is a Micron?

“What do you think about the Brita filter jug and the Water2 undersink filter?”
These are two of the most common questions I get.

So let’s start where most of the confusion begins and something that is not obvious to many: the micron rating.

You scroll past a trendy water filter online. It promises better hydration, clearer skin, peace of mind. Somewhere in the fine print it says: “Removes particles down to 0.5 microns.” (If it even says that.)

And you think... Okay? Cool? But also — so what?

What is a micron, anyway?

A micron, short for micrometer, is one-millionth of a meter or one-thousandth of a millimeter. To put it in context:

  • A human hair is about 70 microns

  • A red blood cell is 5 microns

  • A microplastic particle can be 0.1–5 microns

Micron size tells you the smallest particle a filter can trap.

The lower the micron number, the tighter the filter — and the slower the water flow.

So… what are you trying to filter out?

This is the key question to ask before choosing any filter. Because the answer determines the micron rating you’ll need.

Most people are trying to reduce things like:

  • Chlorine (taste/smell)

  • Lead (from old pipes)

  • Microplastics

  • Pesticides & pharmaceuticals

  • PFAS (so-called “forever chemicals”)

And that’s where activated carbon comes in — the main ingredient in most filters you see.

Quick Carbon Breakdown:

Almost every filter you’ve asked me about uses activated carbon, either as:

  • Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) – faster flow, lower absorption

  • Solid Block Activated Carbon (SBAC) – tighter filtration, slower flow

These don’t “absorb” contaminants like a sponge. They adsorb them — bonding chemicals and particles onto its surface. Activated carbon has a highly porouus structure, providing a vast surface area.

Activated carbon filters are especially effective at removing:

  • Chlorine

  • VOCs (volatile organic compounds)

  • Lead and some heavy metals

  • Taste & odour issues

  • Some microplastics (if ≤0.5 micron)

Where to start?

Before buying anything, ask:

  • Do I want filtered water at just one tap or throughout my home?

  • Am I trying to make my tea taste better or remove something specific like microplastics, flouride or PFAS?

  • Do I care about energy use or wastewater being produced (e.g. with RO systems)?

We'll cover that next in Part II. But for now, remember:

If your filter doesn’t mention micron size, it’s probably not very precise.
If it’s above 1 micron, it likely won’t touch microplastics or fine contaminants.
If it’s below 0.5 microns, your water might flow slower — but you’re catching a whole lot more.

Next week: “Which Filter Should I Actually Get?”
We'll break down jug vs. countertop vs. under-sink vs. whole-home, and help you match the right setup to your lifestyle.

Until then, stay hydrated — and stay curious.

Clouds

A Final Note

NOTES FROM THE MEADOW

Port Meadow, Oxford.

"No man is free who is not master of himself."

Epictus

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Until next time, Step into flow.

Disclaimer: We do not provide medical or nutritional advice. The content shared here is for informational and educational purposes only—to inspire a more mindful, empowered relationship with water.