Is 0.2 micron filter enough?
The 0.2 micron size is big enough to let the water molecules through but small enough to trap sediment, bacteria, and protozoa/cysts. it is. isn't enough to be confident that what you're drinking is safe.
A 5 micron rating works well in many industries, including the food and beverage industry. This rating filters a little less than the 5 micron rating. Filters with a 10 micron rating can remove some unseen materials from liquid but not bacteria or viruses.
Most city water treatment plants make sure the water is free of cysts, but it's possible for cysts and other bacteria to get into the city water supply. It's a good idea to use a point-of-use micron filter, typically 1 micron or less, tested and certified for cyst reduction.
What that means is, for the purpose of sterilization, 0.2 micron and 0.22 micron filters are indistinguishable. Their performance is the same, only the difference being the designation of their pore size rating.
The fraction of viruses that passed through the 0.2-μm filter was 68–89% (Table 1). Table 1. Abundances and fractions of bacteria and viruses that passed through 0.2-μm filters.
Look for a filter that has a pore size of 1 micron or less. This will remove microbes 1 micron or greater in diameter (Cryptosporidium, Giardia).
Typically coffee filters are made up of filaments approximately 20 micrometres wide, which allow particles through that are less than approximately 10 to 15 micrometres. For a filter to be compatible with a coffee maker, the filter needs to be a specific shape and size.
The Brita Micron rating is 0.5 – 1.0 microns. This means that the Faucet filter can remove Giardia and cysts that are 0.5 – 1.0 microns in size. If your filter has a Brita Micron rating of 0.5 microns or less, it is likely to be effective in removing Giardia and cysts from your water.
When filtering solids from liquids, the smaller the micron rating, the more effective the filter and the greater the number of particles that are removed from the final filtrate.
Micron levels in water filtration are usually between . 5 and 5 microns. For example, if bacteria in your water are 1 micron and you have a filtration system with a micron level of 1; it will be able to filter out that bacteria (as well as anything larger than 1).
Does micron size affect water pressure?
Smaller micron filters may reduce your water pressure. That's because the water has to pass through smaller areas, reducing its speed and flow rate. Additionally, the smaller end of micron filters can be prone to clogging from larger particles.
For an average home, the ideal size of a whole house filter should be 4.5″x 20″. On the other hand, large households may need to install filters with a flow rate of 25gpm and 1 1/2 -inch ports.

Be aware that 0.22µm is the MAXIMUM pore size, most of the pores are smaller . You will loose at least 90% of infectious virus particles if you use the 0.22 filter.
Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli passed through a 0.45- micro m pore size filter within 48-96 h. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Listeria monocytogenes passed through a 0.3- micro m pore size filter.
Filtration is one of the method of sterilization. So, by filtering through 0.22 micron filter all form of contamination could be removed. That's why we use 0.22 micron pore size filter for filtration.
Filtration of liquids through 0.2-microm filters is a common and often-used method for the removal of microorganisms from heat-sensitive solutions. Such 0.2 microm filtrations are frequently referred to as 'sterile filtration', reflecting the general belief that all living organisms are excluded from the filtrate.
...
Try any or all of these approaches:
- Adjust vents to let as much outdoor air and as little recirculated air as feasible to maintain a comfortable temperature. ...
- Upgrade filtration on the unit to MERV 13 or higher.
In addition, portable air cleaners equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter or a filter with a minimum efficiency rating value (MERV) of ≥13 can reduce SARS-CoV-2 aerosol exposure over time, helping to limit the risk of aerosol transmission.
Filtration of liquids through 0.2-microm filters is a common and often-used method for the removal of microorganisms from heat-sensitive solutions. Such 0.2 microm filtrations are frequently referred to as 'sterile filtration', reflecting the general belief that all living organisms are excluded from the filtrate.
1 Micron Carbon Block Filter – Pre or Post Filter (2nd - 4th Stage) Removes up to 99% lead, cryptosporidium, Giardia, chlorine, chemicals, VOCs, pesticides and other contaminents that create foul taste and odors.
Will a 1 micron filter reduce water pressure?
The smaller the micron size, the longer it takes for water to pass through it. So while smaller micron filters will remove more contaminants, they are also more likely to decrease your flow rate and water pressure.
For particles of rust, sand or dirt that are easy to see, a 10 or 20 micron filter would be appropriate. For very fine particles, choose the 5 micron filter.