Access to freshly filtered, great-tasting water is essential in any environment, promoting wellbeing, productivity, and good health. Ensuring clean, hygienic drinking water is readily available is important across all sectors, from offices and education facilities, to healthcare, hospitality, and fitness spaces.
However, without proper filtration for drinking water, mains-fed water systems can fall short. Poor water quality doesn’t just affect taste; it can carry contaminants such as microplastics and other impurities that may negatively impact health.
It can also damage internal water system components, reduce energy efficiency, and lead to costly repairs or downtime.
This article explains the science behind water filtration for drinking water, and how to choose the right filtration solution for your needs.
What is filtration?
Filtration is the process of removing unwanted substances, like sediment, chemicals, and bacteria from water. Good filtration for drinking water improves taste and hygiene, while also protecting water dispensing equipment from scale, corrosion, and debris buildup, ultimately, prolonging its lifespan.
Filtration fact: 98% of tea or coffee is water, so taste depends more on water quality than the beans or leaves used.
Why is filtration needed?
Although mains water is treated and safe to drink, it can still contain substances that affect both health and water quality. These may include:
- Sediment and debris
- Chlorine and chloramine
- Organic compounds
- Hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium
- Microorganisms like bacteria or cysts
- Microplastics
- PFAS (forever chemicals linked to potential health risks)
If left untreated, these can:
- Affect taste, clarity, and odour
- Negatively affect health
- Cause limescale and reduce flow rate
- Damage heating and cooling elements
- Shorten equipment lifespan and Increase maintenance costs
Filtration fact: Just 1mm of scale can reduce energy efficiency by 7% and halve equipment lifespan.
Micron ratings explained
Micron ratings refer to the size of particles a filter can capture. The smaller the micron, the finer the filtration.
| Micron rating | What it removes |
| 5 | Sand, sediment, rust |
| 1 | Fine particulate matter |
| 0.5 | Chlorine, organic particles, cysts |
| 0.2 | Bacteria, microplastics, chlorine taste and odour |
| 0.0005 | Salts, heavy metals, dissolved solids (via RO) |
Did you know? A 0.2 micron filter captures particles over 250 times smaller than a grain of sand.
The filtration stages
Multi-stage filters combine several layers of protection, with each stage designed to target specific contaminants at different micron levels.
Stage 1: Sediment Pre-Filtration.
A synthetic mesh that traps larger particles such as sand, rust, and dirt.
Micron range: 10 - 5 microns
Stage 2: Impact Membrane Filtration.
Turbulence separates unwanted particles from the water, these are captured and removed by a fine membrane.
Micron range: 5 - 0.2 microns
Stage 3: Activated Carbon Filtration.
Micro-porous activated carbon captures chlorine, VOCs, and some PFAS, as well as organic compounds that affect taste, colour, and odour. This stage significantly improves drinking water taste.
Micron range: Typically 0.5 - 0.2 microns
Did you know? Drinks from water coolers with no evidence of chlorine taste better.
Stage 4: Ion Exchange Resin (optional)
Removes heavy metals like lead, copper, mercury and iron along with magnesium & calcium ions, preventing scale from forming.
Stage 4: Polyphosphate Beads (optional)
Inhibits scale formation by trapping magnesium & calcium ions, protecting equipment.
Using the right filter for your Borg & Overström dispenser
All Borg & Overström dispensers are engineered to work seamlessly with a range of high-performance filtration systems, including Aqua-Pure™ and Brita.
The right filter, or filter combination depends on your local water quality and dispenser model.
We typically recommend:
- Activated carbon filtration as standard for taste, odour, and chlorine reduction
- Polyphosphates or ion exchange for sparkling and hot water models, or if you are in a hard water area
- 0.2 - 0.5 micron filters for enhanced hygiene
Download filter compatibility guide
Maintenance and replacement of filters
Good to know: We recommend replacing filters every 6 months to maintain hygiene, system performance, and consistent water quality.
Regular filter changes are essential to keep your dispenser operating efficiently and to prevent the build-up of contaminants. Timely maintenance helps protect internal components, extend equipment lifespan, and ensure every glass of water meets the highest standards. Replacing filters every six months is typically included in your equipment provider’s standard service and sanitation maintenance, ensuring your Borg & Overström dispenser continues to perform at its best.
Need help selecting or replacing your filters?
Contact our expert team or visit our virtual showroom to find the right filter.
