Abstract: Water filters and methods of filtering fluids (e.g., water) to produce treated water such as potable water. Specifically, water filters comprising activated carbon, fiber composites, or combinations thereof that are operable to remove heavy metals and/or viruses from fluids to produce potable water. The water filters may comprise at least one carbon filter comprising activated carbon particles, and at least one fiber composite filter comprising electropositive metallic fibers having dimensions of between 5 nm and 100 nm. The fiber composite filter may be disposed upstream of the carbon filter, downstream of the carbon filter, or both.