Impact of Carbon Point-of-Use Filter Design on Microbial Communities and Water Quality in Chloraminated Systems

The increasing demand for safe and aesthetically pleasing drinking water has driven the widespread adoption of activated carbon block (ACB) point-of-use (POU) filters. While these filters effectively mitigate lead exposure and chlorine residual, they present complex challenges related to microbial growth and potential chemical contamination, particularly for vulnerable populations. This study investigates the intricate relationships between filter design, microbial community dynamics, and water quality in chloraminated water treatment systems by examining three commercially available ACB POU filter brands over a 16-week period. We hypothesized that filter component characteristics can significantly influence microbial community composition, with variations in mesh thickness and porosity affecting colonization rates and microbial distribution. Our findings offer a foundational framework for providing critical insights into the complex interactions between filter design, microbial dynamics, and water quality.