Understanding Water Filtration Levels: What Does R1 to R5 Really Mean?
If you’re researching water filtration systems, you might come across terms like R3, R4, or R5 filters. While these aren’t universal standards, many home filtration and reverse osmosis (RO) systems use this terminology to explain how many filtration stages the water passes through. Understanding what each stage does can help you choose the best system for your family’s drinking water.
What Do R1 to R5 Filtration Levels Mean?
Let’s break down the typical filtration stages:
| Stage | Filter Type | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 (R1) | Sediment Filter | Removes large particles like dirt, rust, and sand. |
| Stage 2 (R2) | Carbon Block Filter | Reduces chlorine, taste, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). |
| Stage 3 (R3) | Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) | Further reduces chlorine and chemicals, improving taste and safety. |
| Stage 4 (R4) | Reverse Osmosis (RO) Membrane | Removes dissolved solids, heavy metals, fluoride, and most contaminants (95%–99%). |
| Stage 5 (R5) | Post-Carbon/Polishing Filter | Final polish to improve taste and remove any remaining odors. |
What Water Quality Can You Expect?
You should not really be drinking water less than R3 Filtration levels, so we will discuss from 3-5 below.
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R3 (Stage 3): Good filtration for improving tap water taste and removing chlorine and common chemicals.
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R4 (Stage 4): Advanced filtration. Produces high-purity water, similar or superior to bottled purified water.
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R5 (Stage 5): Maximum filtration and polishing. Typically delivers Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels between 5–50 ppm, which is purer than many commercial bottled waters.
Bottled Water Quality in South Africa
Bottled water in South Africa must comply with SANS 1657 and SANS 289 standards, depending on whether it’s natural mineral water, spring water, or purified water. Leading brands like Valpré and aQuellé often provide high-quality water, but a good R4 or R5 home filtration system can match or exceed this quality at a fraction of the long-term cost.
Why Water Filtration Matters
Safe drinking water isn’t just about clarity and taste. Filtration removes:
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Harmful contaminants like lead, mercury, and nitrates.
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Chlorine and chemical residues.
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Microbial pathogens (depending on system type).
By investing in the right filtration system, you protect your health while also saving on the ongoing cost of bottled water.
Types/Levels of Bottled Water in South Africa (as per SANS 1657 and SANS 289)
South African bottled water falls into three main categories, which are also internationally recognized:
| Type | Definition | Examples | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Mineral Water | Comes from a protected underground source and is bottled at the source. No chemical treatment allowed except for carbon dioxide addition. | Valpré (still and sparkling), Mountain Falls | SANS 1657 |
| Spring Water | Comes from an underground formation and may pass through natural filtration. Minimal treatment (filtration, UV sterilization) allowed to ensure safety. | aQuellé Natural Spring Water, Woolworths Spring Water | SANS 1657 |
| Prepared Water / Purified Water | Water from any source (including municipal) that has been treated (e.g., reverse osmosis, distillation) to meet quality standards. | Aquafina, Nestlé Pure Life | SANS 289 |
Bottled water in South Africa must comply with SANS 1657 (covering natural mineral water and spring water) and SANS 289 (covering prepared or purified bottled water). Depending on the type, bottled water may be classified as natural mineral water, spring water, or purified water. Leading brands like Valpré and aQuellé often provide high-quality water, but a good R4 or R5 home filtration system can match or exceed this quality at a fraction of the long-term cost.
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