Drinking water filters for clean tap water – on the faucet or under the sink

Start with a broad-spectrum filter (Active or Active Plus+): it reduces chlorine, off-flavours, heavy metals, pesticides and particles such as microplastics. The Nano germ barrier additionally filters bacteria and germs such as legionella or E. coli.

If you want to combine both stages, choose the Fusion set. With a low-pressure or water heater tap, the under-sink version is required – this is not possible on the tap (Duo).

Limescale is not a pollutant and is not the focus of the filtration. Only the Active Plus+ measurably reduces limescale via an ion exchanger – mainly for the taste of coffee and tea.

Depending on the water hardness, limescale is reduced, not completely removed. Deposits can still form in the kettle.

Yes. All Alb drinking water and shower filter cartridges are compatible with every housing. This means you can also turn a drinking water filter into a shower filter – and vice versa.

The Nano germ barrier reliably filters bacteria and particles such as microplastics. Other pollutants are partially reduced – depending on the initial concentration, flow rate and water parameters – in the best case to below the detection limit.

The TDS value only measures conductivity (mainly salts and minerals), not the pollutant content. Alb filters leave valuable minerals in the water, so the value does not drop – a low TDS value therefore does not automatically mean clean water. A laboratory or a spectrometer is suitable for reliable analyses.

Yes. Light-coloured flakes are usually precipitated minerals (limescale) and are normal with fine-pored filters – even with the Active Plus+, as the water is only partially softened.

Swiss tap water is strictly monitored – but the water supplier's responsibility ends at the house connection. On the last few metres through the domestic plumbing, lead or copper from old pipes and taps, rust or deposits can get into the water; for substances such as PFAS or microplastics, maximum values exist only in part or not at all. An Alb Filter steps in right there – and improves taste and smell along the way.

No, not specifically: activated carbon and membranes do not reliably retain nitrate. You can find the nitrate level of your tap water in your supplier's published water quality data. If levels are elevated – for example from your own well – a water analysis and specialised methods such as reverse osmosis can help.

Capacity, hygiene and convenience: an Alb cartridge filters 3,000–5,000 litres instead of around 100 litres, the water comes freshly filtered straight from the tap rather than from a storage container – and there is no standing water in which germs can multiply. Minerals are retained in the process.

Always observe the replacement intervals and ideally add a Nano germ barrier downstream. During longer breaks, remove Active and Nano cartridges and let them air-dry; the Active Plus+, on the other hand, must stay moist and remain in the housing.

Do not store cartridges in rice, in the fridge or in a sealed plastic bag.

The change takes around two minutes and is done by unscrewing the cap. You'll find video instructions above in the ‘Installation & use’ section.

Used cartridges belong in the general waste and are incinerated, as pollutants have accumulated inside them. Please do not dispose of them in any other way.

Guide values: Active approx. 3,000 litres or max. 4 months, Nano approx. 5,000 litres or max. 6 months. The actual capacity depends heavily on the quality of the incoming water; the cartridge is changed mainly for reasons of hygiene.

Yes, every cartridge affects pressure and flow rate somewhat. Under the sink, a separate additional tap or a 3-way tap can compensate for the reduced flow.

The Nano cartridge is certified to ASTM F838-15A and may even be used in public facilities during an acute legionella infestation.

Active and Active Plus+: maximum 23 °C. Nano: 5–65 °C.

It softens the water by ion exchange and changes the structure of the limescale so that it adheres less. Depending on the water hardness, it reduces hardness by 4–6 °dH under optimal conditions; with very hard water (≥ 18 °dH), the capacity is exhausted more quickly.

The Active Plus+ is sensitive to drying out and must always stay moist. During a break in use, store it in distilled water; it is not designed to be dried.

In most cases, yes. Unscrew the aerator and use our thread guide to find out whether you need an adapter – we'll include the right adapter free of charge.

Yes. Dripping for a few seconds afterwards is normal, as the internal pressure only dissipates slowly; the finer the pores of the cartridge, the stronger the effect. Technically, it cannot be prevented.

Only with pressure-resistant water heaters with an operating pressure of at least 4 bar. For unpressurised systems, please choose the under-sink version, which is approved for this purpose.

Dimensions 69 mm (W) × 120 mm (H); weight approx. 300 g (aluminium-magnesium) or 400 g (stainless steel); connection M22 female thread (inlet) and M22 male thread (outlet).

The filter is installed between the cold-water angle valve and the tap's supply hose using the enclosed connection kit. You'll find video instructions above in the “Installation & use” section.

No. The installation orientation – horizontal or vertical – has no effect on filter performance.

Dimensions 69 mm (W) × 120 mm (H); weight approx. 300 g (aluminium-magnesium) or 400 g (stainless steel); connection 1/2 inch female thread (inlet) and 1/2 inch male thread (outlet).