Home water filtration systems can range from simple physical barriers that can be attached to water faucets or they can range to complex processes that involve the use of chemicals, mechanical, and biological processes to filtrate the water. Both the provision and the quality of water in South Africa is a major issue affecting millions of people in all areas of the country, however, more especially in rural areas or those who experience frequent water shortages as a result of seasonal factors, inadequacy in municipal service provision, and other factors.

Water purification may reduce the concentration of particulate matter including suspended particles, parasites, bacteria, algae, viruses, and fungi as well as reduce the concentration of a range of dissolved and particulate matter.