|-
|Granular media, rapid rate depth filter
|'''Sand, gravel, diatomaceous earth, coal, other minerals'''
|High
|Easy to Moderate
|-
|Slow sand filter
|'''Sand '''
|High
|Easy to moderate (community use)
|-
|Vegetable and animal derived depth filters
|'''Coal, sponge, charcoal, cotton, etc. '''
|Medium to high
|Moderate to Difficult
|-
|Fabric, paper, membrane, canvas, etc. filter
|'''Cloth, other woven fabric, synthetic polymers, wick siphons '''
|Varies: some low; others high
|Easy to moderate
|-
|Ceramic and other porous cast filters
|'''Clay, other minerals '''
|Varies: high- low, with materials availability and fabrication skill
|Moderate. Must be physically cleaned on a regular basis to prevent clogging and biofilm growth
|-
|Septum and body feed filters
|'''Diatomaceous earth, other fine media '''
|Varies
|Moderate to difficult; dry media a respiratory hazard
