Abstract: A novel filtration system for purifying a relatively small volume of water, and especially for removing objectionable tastes and odors from drinking water. An inverted container of the water to be purified is supported above a filter which in turn is supported above a bottom container for receiving the effluent from the filter. The upper container is provided with an outlet tube which extends into the filter and is provided with means for regulating the flow of water to the filter. The filter holds a disposable filter medium in the form of a thin "sandwich" of two outer sheets of readily permeable material and a thin inner layer of activated carbon particles disposed uniformly between the two outer sheets. In operation, water flows from the upper container through the filter into the bottom container, the rate of flow of water from the upper container being controlled automatically by the level of water in the filter.