How Does Water Purification Work?

Last updated: November 2025

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People across the UK are paying closer attention to the quality and taste of their tap water. Searches for PFAS, microplastics, hard-water solutions, and home purification systems continue to rise — driven by concerns around flavour, reliability, and long-term peace of mind.

While UK tap water is regulated, many households want a cleaner, better-tasting, more refined water experience. Modern purification technology makes this possible.

This guide explains how water purification works, the differences between methods, and why many homes choose advanced systems like the Bluewater Kitchen Station 1™ for pure, mineral-balanced water every day.

1. What Is Water Purification?

Water purification removes unwanted substances such as:

sediments and particles
chlorine and taste-affecting chemicals
dissolved solids
PFAS and microplastics
bacteria and certain microorganisms
heavy metals

The goal is water that is clean, refreshing, and enjoyable — without compromising taste or mineral balance.

Because different technologies target different contaminants, world-class systems use several purification stages working together.

2. Why Tap Water Sometimes Needs Extra Purification

While UK tap water is considered potable, it can still contain:

hardness minerals that cause limescale
chlorine used for disinfection
trace contaminants from ageing pipes
microplastics
PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
regional taste and mineral variation

Many households look for purification to improve taste, reduce limescale, protect appliances, and add everyday confidence.

3. Common Water Purification Methods

Sediment Filtration

Removes visible particles like sand, rust, and silt.
Best for: improving clarity and protecting other filters.

Activated Carbon Filtration

Absorbs chlorine, VOCs, and many taste- and odour-affecting substances.
Best for: better flavour and reduced smell.

Ion Exchange

Reduces calcium and magnesium — minerals that cause limescale.
Best for: kettles, taps, appliances, and hard-water regions.

Ultrafiltration (UF)

Uses a fine membrane to remove bacteria, organic molecules, and microscopic debris.
Best for: improved microbiological protection and clarity.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

One of the most capable purification technologies for household use.

An RO membrane can target:

PFAS
microplastics
heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic)
salts and dissolved solids
nitrates and pesticides
many chemical pollutants
bacteria and viruses (when paired with prefiltration)

Kitchen Station 1™ uses an enhanced RO-based process called SuperiorOsmosis™, engineered for high performance and efficiency.

Remineralisation

Because RO removes nearly all minerals, advanced systems reintroduce essential minerals to restore balanced taste.

Bluewater achieves this through its Liquid Rock® mineral restoration, creating pure, mineral-balanced water that feels natural and enjoyable.

4. Why Reverse Osmosis Is So Effective

Reverse osmosis is widely recognised for its ability to reduce contaminants that basic carbon filters cannot.

RO membranes can significantly reduce:

PFAS compounds
microplastics
heavy metals
chloride, sulphates, and other TDS
many chemical pollutants

This broad capability is why many households choose RO-based systems for long-term water quality, improved taste, and confidence in what they’re drinking.

5. Purification vs. Filtration: What’s the Difference?

Filtration removes larger particles and can improve taste.
Purification targets a much wider range of contaminants — including those too small to see.

The most refined systems combine:

Multi-stage filtration
Reverse osmosis purification
Mineral restoration

This creates a complete, enjoyable water experience.

6. PFAS, Microplastics, and Modern Concerns

PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and microplastics are emerging global water concerns.

Research shows:

PFAS persist in the environment and appear in many water sources.
Microplastics have been detected in tap water, bottled water, and even the air.

Different technologies vary in effectiveness:

Carbon filtration: partial PFAS and microplastic reduction
Distillation: capable but impractical for everyday use
Reverse osmosis: one of the most effective household technologies for PFAS and microplastic reduction

This is why RO-based purification has become increasingly preferred in UK homes.

7. Why Many Homes Choose Kitchen Station 1™

The Bluewater Kitchen Station 1™ provides what most homes want from their drinking water — purity, taste, and everyday convenience.

Kitchen Station 1™:

uses SuperiorOsmosis™ for high-performance purification
restores essential minerals with Liquid Rock® mineralisation
delivers pure, mineral-balanced water instantly
fits neatly under the sink
reduces reliance on bottled water
improves the taste of coffee, tea, and cooking
is engineered for hard-water regions across the UK

Instead of filtering water in batches, Kitchen Station 1™ delivers purified, mineral-balanced water directly from a dedicated tap — seamlessly integrated into daily life.

8. Everyday Benefits of Purified Water

Purified water can enhance:

the taste of coffee, tea, and meals
enjoyment and hydration
appliance performance and lifespan
reduction of limescale
reduction of chlorine taste and odour

Many households choose purification not only for taste, but for daily confidence and long-term convenience.

FAQ: Water Purification

Is purified water the same as distilled water?

Not exactly. Distillation is one method. Reverse osmosis is more efficient for everyday drinking and allows remineralisation for balanced taste.

Does reverse osmosis reduce PFAS?

Yes — RO is widely recognised as highly effective for PFAS reduction.

Is tap water in London safe?

Yes, it is regulated — but many people choose purification to improve taste and reduce hardness.

What is TDS?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, a measure of minerals and dissolved substances.