A water filter cartridge is the primary component for most filtration systems on the market today
. Passive systems mounted on faucets and whole house systems will use these cartridges for filtering any number of contaminants from water. These systems are going in popularity too with the green initiatives. Some water filter pictures that are not connected to a water supply use the water filter cartridge technology as well. These systems will use materials such as activated charcoal for filtering water. This is a common material also found in aquarium water filter systems. For human consumption it's a lot more advanced than for the fish tank. As the cartridge becomes more saturated with contaminants the slower the process of filtering becomes and the less efficient the filter functions. A water filter cartridge will have a shelf life so watch for this when purchasing them. Also, water filter cartridges will come in a variety of applications such as for particulate, chlorine, iron, calcium or other materials that need to be removed. As the filtration system functions, the water is passed through the filter cartridge. On a whole house system, the water filter cartridge is dependent on the water pressure to force the water through the filter media. If you currently have a water filtration system on your home or on a faucet, make sure you are purchasing the correct cartridge for the contaminants you are trying to reduce. If you are researching new filtration systems, consider having a professional test a water sample to ensure you are looking for the proper filter application.