Activated carbon is an adsorbent which has the distinction of having vast amount of micropores per m²: one gram of activated carbon has a minimum surface area of 500 m². This particularity allows extending the surface so that the water flowing through these pores ensures better adsorption of different compounds such as chlorine, metals, organic matter and other elements that cause unwanted flavors and odors.
Carbon is activated through various processes such as high pressures and atmospheres suitable for generating the desired porosity. Their filters can be regenerated by backwash achieving to prolong its life.