Bacteria Reduction
Bacteria levels in drinking water can be reduced via three methods - chemical disinfection, ultraviolet sterilization and filtration.
Filtration
Filtration is an effective way to remove bacteria from drinking water but requires expensive "absolute" (removes 99.9% of particles at stated rating or larger) rated filters to be effective as well as several stages of filtration to prevent premature filter plugging and undesirable pressure drop. We carry premium quality Pentek Microguard™ filter systems capable of filtering water down to .15 microns absolute. This filtration level removes 99.9999% of bacteria and 99.99% of cysts. Pentek Microguard™ filter systems are suitable for undersink applications only as they have a maximum flow rate of 3GPM.
New Pentek Whole House UF Systems can effectively removes sediment, bacteria and cysts at flow rates up to 10GPM without chemicals and without pretreatment.
UV Sterilization
Ultraviolet sterlization utilizes ultraviolet radiation given off by a enclosed lamp to "sterilize" water by rendering bacteria and viruses unable to reproduce. UV disinfection is a preferred method because it is a physical process (rather than chemical) that leaves no chemical residue in the treated water and requires no polishing step after sterilization. In a UV sterilization system, water usually flows through a stainless steel reaction chamber where the water is separated from the uv lamp by a clear sleeve of quartz. UV Disinfection can be used up to flow rates of 30GPM or higher. Find out more about UV Disinfection here.
Chlorine Disinfection
Chlorine disinfection is normally done by feeding a liquid sodium hypochlorite solution (normally bleach) either directy into a well or inline into the water system after entry to a home.
Click on the link to see a standard setup for feeding chlorine into a residential water supply.
