A sediment filter is a type of filter that is used to remove sediment and particles from water. Suspended matter is trapped by the filter as untreated water passes through it.

Sediment filters come in different sizes and varieties, ranging from small cartridge filters to larger point-of-entry filters. They can remove large sediment and metal particles, as well as smaller particles like bacteria, cysts, and sediment.

The main purpose of a sediment filter is to improve the clarity and quality of water by removing visible particles and sediment. It helps to reduce the risk of clogging and damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances that can be caused by sediment buildup.

Sediment filters do not remove all contaminants. On their own, they do not effectively remove dissolved organic or inorganic materials, nitrates, heavy metals, pesticides, or trihalomethanes, a potential byproduct of drinking water chlorination (Dvorak and Skipton, 2013).

Sediment filters are often used with other treatment methods. They are installed before systems like reverse osmosis (RO) to increase efficiency and after ones like aeration or ozonation that turn contaminants into a solid that can be trapped by the sediment filter.

Also, not that it is not recommended to use sediment filters for the removal of microbial contaminants. In fact, it’s recommended to use only disinfected water with sediment filters to prevent bacterial growth and contamination.

Cartridge-type filters (Figure 1) are frequently used in private well application. In Figure 2, you can see that typical cartridge filter media types include wound string, spun polypropylene, and pleated paper.

It’s important to note that sediment filters have limited capacity and need to be properly maintained and operated to remain effective. Larger sediment filters may need to be backwashed regularly, while small cartridge filters may need to be replaced when they become saturated.

Clemens, S.S., Swistock, B., Sharpe, W. A Guide to Private Water Systems in Pennsylvania. 2009. Penn State Extension.

Benham, B., Ling, E. Virginia Household Water Quality Program: Household Water Treatment. (2013). Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Dvorak, B. I., Skipton, S.O. Drinking Water Treatment: Sediment Filtration. (2013). University of Nebraska Extension.