UNDERSTANDING FILTRATION SYSTEMS: WHAT IS SEDIMENT AND UV WATER FILTRATION?

Your water source likely contains a myriad of sediments and particles, ranging from dirt and leaves to dust, sand, pollen, foliage, and beyond.

Sediment filtration is the first line of defence in your water purification process post tank, typically filtering out anything larger than 1 micron.

UV filtration then acts as the second line of defence, targeting and neutralising any harmful and smaller microorganisms e.g. E-coli, that may still be present in the water.

Sediment filters work by forcing the water through a physical barrier that traps the sediment in the filter material but allows the water to pass through.

They remove sediment and debris particles that can be caught by their micron-rated capacity – the lower the micron of the filter the finer the material removed.

These filters also help eliminate turbidity from water. Turbidity is the murkiness in water caused by a large number of suspended solids in the water.

These systems are placed after the pump between the water tank and the property, usually by the tank, under your property, or in the garage. This ensures the water is filtered before entering the property where it is used.

WHAT FILTRATION SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

If your water is only used for laundry and/or toilets, a standard sediment filtration system is usually sufficient to remove dirt, debris, and other particles from your water supply.

If your water is used for drinking, cooking, showering, hand washing we strongly recommend installing both a sediment filter and a UV filter.

The sediment filter captures larger sediment materials, while the UV filter eliminates harmful microorganisms such as E-Coli, ensuring your water is safe to drink.

Bacteria such as E-coli are smaller than 1 micron and hence the need for UV to neutralise them.

Typically, dual sediment filters are installed. First, a higher micron filter (e.g. 20 micron) to remove larger sediment, followed by a 1 micron filter to remove finer sediment.

House filters generally do not go below 1 micron, as doing so can negatively impact household water pressure.

In some cases, a third filter is added — usually a carbon filter — to help remove odour and colour e.g. tannins from decomposing leaves, from the water if required.

Choosing the right size for your water filtration system is essential for optimal performance.

Generally, there are two common sizes of filter cartridges: 10 inches and 20 inches.

10-Inch System: Ideal for homes with one bathroom. This size efficiently meets the water filtration needs for smaller households while maintaining good water pressure.
20-Inch System: Recommended for homes with two or more bathrooms. This larger system provides increased filtration capacity and maintains adequate water pressure for higher demand.

Both 10-inch and 20-inch systems can come in single, dual, or triple housing configurations, allowing you to choose the level of filtration that best suits your household’s needs.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your household’s water source, surrounds, and water usage.

Benefits

Sediment filters act as a barrier, trapping a myriad of sediment and organic matter including dirt, leaves, dust, pollen, and other material, as the water travels through the barrier.
Works in tandem with UV filtration, by removing sediment that a pathogen could attach to or hide behind to avoid exposure to the UV light
Hassle-free, requiring only periodic replacement of filter cartridges, typically every six months.

Maintenance and Servicing

Sediment filter replacements are required every 3, 6, or 12 months. This can differ depending on the water source, surrounding environment, water usage, and condition of your water tank.

At Safe H2O we offer customised filtration solutions for our customers. To learn more about the services we offer, click here to see the filtration systems our team supplies and install.

UNDERSTANDING UV FILTRATION

UV (Ultraviolet) filtration uses UV light to disinfect your water continuously. As your water passes through a stainless-steel chamber, the UV light kills any pathogens within the water.

Your water source may contain pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These harmful microorganisms are typically smaller than 1 micron and therefore, will pass through any sediment filters.

However, the installation of an ultraviolet disinfection bulb (UV) will provide an effective solution, by killing and/or neutralising 99.9% of all pathogens.

Importantly, UV filtration systems need to be used in conjunction with sediment filtration. If the sediment isn’t removed, it can shield the pathogens from the UV light as they pass through the UV chamber.

This coupled with regular tank cleaning to reduce the sediment build up in your water tanks also allows the filter system to work to its optimum at all times.

Benefits

UV filtration uses UV light to disinfect your water continuously providing ongoing protection
Erases harmful bacteria that are narrower than 1 micron and can evade sediment filters.
Hassle-free with UV Bulb replacements required every 12 months.

Maintenance and Servicing

UV Bulb replacements are required approximately every 12 months (Annually)
UV filter systems require a power source and use circa $100 – $120 of electricity per annum to operate. This does vary as the price of electricity fluctuates!

If you have more questions about filtration systems, be sure to check out our FAQs Page HERE.

REGULAR WATER TANK CLEANING

It’s important to note that it’s still essential to regularly clean your water tank even if you have a filtration system.

Filters are efficient at removing sediment from the water after it leaves the tank, but they don’t prevent the tank itself from accumulating sediment and becoming contaminated.

Over time, sediments, pathogens, and other residues can accumulate in the tank, leading to sediment in solution, microbiological contamination, unpleasant tastes and odours, and potential illnesses.

Sediment accumulation can reduce the effectiveness of your filtration system and potentially shorten its lifespan.

Regular tank cleaning is essential, as it preserves water quality and ensures that your filters operate efficiently, working together to provide clean and safe water.

Summing Up . . .

Investing in a sediment and UV filtration system significantly improves the quality of your tank water, ensuring it is clean and safe for you and your family.

By installing a combination sediment UV filtration system and regularly cleaning your water tank, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the water you drink is clean and safe at all times.

Interested in a personalised filtration system for your water tank?