Water filter microns ratings explained for UK offices
Lily Hedley | July 28, 2025 | 2 minute read

If you’re looking for a 1 micron water filter, 5 micron water filter or something in between, you’re not alone.
Offices across the UK often struggle to understand the importance of micron rating for water filter systems, especially when it comes to coffee machines and boiling taps.
This short guide covers what microns are, why they matter, and which water filter options work best in a commercial office setting.
What does micron rating mean in a water filter?
A micron is a unit of measurement, equal to one millionth of a metre. The micron rating on a water filter tells you the size of the particles it can block.
A 50 micron filter will catch things like grit, while a 1 micron water filter removes much smaller particles that you can’t see with the naked eye.
As a rule of thumb:
- 50 micron = removes sand, rust flakes
- 5 micron = removes fine sediment
- 1 micron = removes very fine particles
The smallest micron water filter products can go below 1 micron but these are typically only used in healthcare or lab environments. For example, a 0.2 micron filter would only really be used in an operating theatre.
What’s the difference between a 1 micron and 5 micron filter?
A 5 micron water filter is ideal for general-purpose use in UK offices. It removes enough sediment to protect equipment and improve taste, while allowing a strong flow rate.
A 1 micron water filter offers more precision. It captures smaller contaminants and is often used for better-tasting water in coffee or tea preparation. Some filters combine this with activated carbon to remove chlorine and improve odour. The downside of these extremely fine filters is that they significantly reduce water pressure.
Keep in mind, finer filtration can mean more frequent cartridge changes. It’s a trade-off between your water purity, pressure, and ongoing maintenance. But generally, for higher volume water dispensers, a filter rating of 5 microns will suffice to filter effectively without slowing down flow.
Where to find help with water filters and servicing
Whether you’re looking for a commercial coffee machine service near me or just need help choosing a 1 micron water filter cartridge, it’s worth speaking to a specialist.
The right filter can reduce limescale, cut down on servicing, and improve taste across your hot drinks stations. Just remember to factor in your local water quality, machine type, and how many people are using it daily.
Need more support? We help London and Manchester offices choose the right filter for their setup, and can advise on installation, replacements, and servicing.