9 advantages of a gravity filter for purer water

Gravity filters are a practical and eco-friendly solution for accessing purer water, whether at home, while traveling, or in emergency situations. They typically consist of two stacked reservoirs. The upper reservoir contains the water to be filtered, while the lower reservoir collects the purified water.

By flowing slowly due to gravity, the water passes through one or more filtering elements that retain impurities. Once filtered and purified, you can collect your drinking water via a tap or a device designed for this purpose. In this article, we will present you with 9 advantages of a good gravity filter.

1. A simple water filtration system to use

The gravity filter stands out for its ease of use compared to other water filtration systems. For example, it does not need to be connected to the water network. You just need to fill the upper reservoir and let the water flow naturally. This avoids complex installations and the risk of leaks.

Moreover, the operation of a gravity filter is very simple to understand: you pour the water to be filtered into the first container, and you collect the purified water in the second. Regarding its use, there are no buttons, settings, or complicated procedures to follow.

As a result, gravity filters are suitable for all users, regardless of their age or level of knowledge about water filtration. It is particularly appreciated by those looking for a reliable, effective, and easy-to-implement filtration solution.

Do you have children and are often busy? You can easily fill the upper reservoir of the filter with tap water of questionable quality, even with a child in your arms. The lower reservoir stores the purified water, ready to be used at any time to prepare bottles, fill children's water bottles, or for the consumption of the whole family. Your older children can even help themselves to the pure water, promoting their independence.

2. An effective filtration solution against a very large amount of pollutants

The gravity filter has several features that make it potentially more effective against a variety of pollutants compared to other filtration systems. Unlike some simpler systems, such as filter jugs, the gravity filter generally incorporates several stages of filtration:

• activated carbon,

• hollow fiber,

• ceramic/membrane.

This combination allows targeting a wide range of pollutants, from the coarsest to the finest, including particles, chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms. Indeed, the slow flow of water through the gravity filter maximizes the contact time between the water and the filtering media. This promotes the adsorption of pollutants by activated carbon and the removal of microorganisms by ceramic filtering elements or membranes.

Moreover, gravity filters can be customized by adding specific filtering media to target particular contaminants present in the water to be treated. For example, ion exchange resins can be added to reduce water hardness. At Weeplow, we also offer arsenic and fluoride reduction elements.

3. A water purification system that preserves essential minerals for well-being

The preservation of essential minerals present in water and contributing to well-being is among the most valuable benefits of gravity filters. Indeed, these minerals play an important role in hydration, bone health, and the proper functioning of the body.

To preserve them, the gravity water filter generally uses filtering media such as activated carbon or ceramic. These are capable of retaining impurities (sediments, chlorine, pesticides, bacteria, chemicals) without removing beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. In other words, their pores are small enough to block contaminants, but the materials that make them up allow for the preservation of dissolved minerals.

Conversely, systems like reverse osmosis use a semi-permeable membrane that rejects almost all minerals, producing very pure but demineralized water. The gravity filter does not use this technology.

In addition to essential minerals, it can preserve certain beneficial trace elements (iron, zinc, selenium, etc.) present in the water. These are small mineral nutrients necessary for the body as long as they are provided in small amounts.

4. A filter that improves the taste and smell of drinking water

Water that is too pure, demineralized, can have a bland and flat taste. By removing impurities and preserving essential minerals, the gravity filter restores the water's natural and fresh taste. It is then more pleasant to drink than water filtered by other methods that may alter its mineral balance.

Activated carbon plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of gravity filters for purifying water, which is why it is used by the majority of filters (including Black Berkey). Its unique properties make it an essential filtering element for improving water quality and making it more pleasant to consume. This filtering element is particularly effective at adsorbing chlorine and chloramines, responsible for the unpleasant taste and odor of tap water. Other methods, such as ceramic filtration, are not as effective in this regard.

Activated carbon can also adsorb certain VOCs, which are chemicals that can affect the taste and odor of water. Sediment filters alone cannot eliminate these compounds. 

The mechanical pre-filtration of the gravity filter also retains suspended particles, such as sediments and rust, which can also contribute to an unpleasant taste and odor.

5. An autonomous, reliable, and flexible filtration system

Do you want to be independent of infrastructure or wish to have a reserve of drinking water in all circumstances? It is true that one of the main disadvantages of electric filters (filter jugs, reverse osmosis systems) is their lack of autonomy. The same goes for systems requiring water pressure (tap filters, under-sink systems).

The gravity filter spares you this constraint, as it operates without any external energy source. Unlike reverse osmosis systems that use high pressure to force water through a membrane, it works without pressure. This prevents damage to the filter elements and promotes the passage of certain contaminants.

The gravity filter simply uses the force of gravity to pass water through the filter elements. This makes it particularly useful in situations where electricity is not available (camping, travel, rural areas) or in case of a power outage.

Moreover, this filtration system can be used with different water sources, such as:

• tap water,

• rainwater,

• spring water,

• well water.

You just need to choose a brand that, like Weeplow, has designed its filter elements with various levels of water quality to be treated in mind.

6. A water filter with easy-to-clean and maintain cartridges

Do you appreciate hassle-free maintenance sessions? Then you should definitely opt for a gravity filter. It does not require complex disassemblies or tedious cleanings. For example, OI filters are made up of several components (pre-filters, membrane, post-filter) each requiring specific maintenance. The replacement of these components must be done at different intervals, which can be difficult for an uninformed user to keep track of.

In general, gravity filters have removable filtering cartridges designed to be cleaned in a few simple steps.

It is enough to:

• Remove the cartridges, without tools or complicated manipulations.

• Rinse the cartridges with clear water to eliminate accumulated particles and impurities.

• Gently brush (if necessary) to remove more stubborn dirt.

• Replace the clean cartridges in the filter.

Moreover, cleaning is more comfortable because the gravity filter easily sits on a countertop. This makes it more advantageous than systems installed under the sink. In this often cramped and hard-to-reach space, maintenance operations, such as replacing filters, can be more complicated and uncomfortable.

7. Gravity filters are a sustainable alternative for accessing pure water

Are you concerned about the environmental and health issues related to bottled water consumption? Then, choosing a gravity filter can be just as practical a solution. Unlike plastic water bottles, which generate a considerable amount of polluting waste and even dangerous microplastics for health, gravity filters do not use any disposable packaging. They thus help reduce the environmental impact related to the production and recycling of plastic.

Similarly, gravity filters operate without electricity, unlike electric filtering pitchers or reverse osmosis systems. This allows you to reduce your energy consumption and the ecological footprint associated with daily water purification.

Let's clarify that gravity filters are designed to last. The filtering elements are replaceable, which extends the lifespan of the system and prevents you from throwing away the entire device when a filter reaches the end of its life.

8. Gravity filters offer long-term savings

Although the initial purchase of a gravity filter may seem higher than that of a filtering pitcher or packs of bottled water, it is an investment that quickly pays off. You can clean and reuse the cartridges several times before replacing them, which reduces maintenance costs.

Similarly, the replacement costs of the filters are minimal compared to regular expenses on bottled water. For example, when you buy a pair of Weeplow O'Pure 2 cartridges at €99.99, you can replace it after filtering 22,700 liters of water or less depending on the water source.

Let's remember that the gravity filter allows you to produce drinking water from different sources (tap, well, river). This reduces your dependence on bottled water suppliers and offers you greater autonomy in water supply.

Moreover, gravity filters are generally made with sturdy and durable materials, such as stainless steel or food-grade plastic. They withstand wear well and can last many years with proper maintenance.

9. Gravity filters are available in various sizes to suit your needs

Are you alone, in a couple, in a large family, or do you need filtered water for your business? Gravity filters are designed in various sizes to meet your specific needs.

For example, you will find filters:

• Compact and lightweight with a capacity of 1 liter : Perfect for travel, camping, or outdoor activities, they are suitable for individual use.

• Designed for families of 2 to 4 people : Allowing for the storage of a sufficient amount of filtered water for the day, they easily fit into the kitchen thanks to their sleek design.

• High capacity, up to 22 liters and more : Ideal for large families or groups, they can provide filtered water for at least 5 people.

The tank capacity varies by model, but it can be sufficient for a family's needs for several days.

Furthermore, the filtration rate of a gravity filter mainly depends on its capacity and the number of filtering elements. The larger the capacity and the more filtering elements there are, the higher the flow rate will be. Do you have a large family or need a large amount of purified water quickly? Then, you can choose a high-capacity gravity water filter model with a high flow rate.

With a gravity filter that has a flow rate suited to your needs, you ensure that you always have enough purified water without having to wait too long.

Start enjoying the benefits of a gravity filter today!

With gravity filters, no more hauling packs of water. Simply fill the tank and let gravity do its work. You can enjoy purified water at a lower cost and reduce your healthcare expenses.

Indeed, pure water helps prevent waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Filtered water, free from its unpleasant taste and odor, also encourages greater water consumption, essential for good hydration and optimal body function.

Weeplow products are designed to reduce up to 99.999% of harmful contaminants in water. Browse our shop to find the gravity water filter that suits your household's needs. Your body, your wallet, and the planet will thank you!