After passing through a reverse osmosis (RO) system the water is pure though there are some critters small enough to wiggle through. Bacteria is one. Few tropical water supplies, even wells are not without their denizens. A new RO system is impervious to viruses and bacteria. Although assembled in a clean room, these unit are NOT sterile. As with all things, given even the most rigid manufacturing specifications, the RO membrane may have minor defects and time may take a toll on the integrity of the membrane allowing these microorganisms to sneak through.
Whole House UV Water Filter
Many homes have good water without the need for a RO system with nothing more than a sediment filter to stop larger scale inorganics from entering the system. Remember that RO systems produce pure water, with the mineral content removed, many prefer some mineral content for taste as RO leaves the water with a flat taste. Post RO and non-reverse osmosis systems need a process in place to neutralize botanicals, i.e. those messy little critters.
Enter the newest technology for providing clean germ-free water, the ultra violet (UV) filter. The UV filter passes water through a clear tube with a UV bulb or lamp that radiates UV waves into the water. Microorganisms are susceptible to UV exposure and die. What good is a UV filter?
Advantages of UV Water Filters
• Environment is one. Chlorine is the primary chemical water disinfectant, leaves an objectionable taste and impacts our environment. UV is clean. Chemical free protection. No handling of toxic chemicals.
• It’s a killer, nearly all (99.9%) of microorganisms fall to the UV radiation. UV is more effective on water born cysts than chlorine or chloramines. UV is active against viruses, bacteria, cysts, Coliform, Salmonella, Giardia, E. Coli, Cryptosporidium, Typhoid Fever, Flu, Polio, Dysentery, Cholera, Meningitis and infectious hepatitis.
• UV is there for you, 24/7.
• Maintenance is simple a lamp and sleeve replaced annually. Once install only annual service is required. No dirty parts to dispose of, very clean.
• No tanks, the water flows through a UV filter unimpeded.
• Does require electricity, but the draw is very low.
• Unlike RO or other systems and reverse flow to clean themselves, no additional water is wasted.
• FDA approved.
• No additional odor or taste introduced into the drinking water.
Seems all good things do have a downside as does UV filters:
• UV kills, but does not remover inorganic pollutants line heavy metals, salts, chlorine or synthetic petroleum-based product or pharmaceuticals.
• UV requires a reliable source of electrical power, no power no filtration.
• Chemically laden water does not work well with UV. The water as such needs to clear and clean. UV therefor is a post particle filtration process.
• Initial cost is higher but given the low maintenance it should be cheaper in the long run. You don’t have to add chemicals on a regular basis.
• UV works well in the swimming pool too.
Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration & More in Golden Gate Estates, Naples, Cape Coral, Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres, Florida
UV filtration is used on a large scale commercial basis, and may replace chemical treatments, with no chemical byproducts. Since the UV system is totally enclosed there not escaping UV to affect your health. Many UV systems incorporate a solenoid valve the closes of the water supply if the UV element fails. Sensor can alert the owner to subpar performance of the system. A UV bulb or lamp is surrounded by a UV clear quartz sleeve to protect the lamp. The unit is put into a chamber, and water flows in through one end and out the other. A ballast like in fluorescent lighting is used to control the light. UV filtration has a long history and the technology has matured to the point it is a viable alternative to kill pathogens in place of toxic chemicals. AAA Water Team is your number one source for pure water. Call us to learn more today.