Six new filter media were developed by calcination or Cu(OH)2 coating on Cu2+-treated zeolite (ZCu).
All new media showed more than 97% reduction in copper leaching compared to ZCu.
Cu(OH)2-coated ZCu showed better and more stable bacteria removal than ZCu.
New media maintained bacterial inactivation efficiency during drying event.
Applying new media in sand filter was successful in terms of bacterial removal and inactivation.