Understanding Filtration Systems: What is Sediment and UV Water Filtration?

Sediment and UV Filtration work together to remove sediment within your water supply and neutralise harmful pathogens 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 and safe before entering the property where it is used.

WHAT IS SEDIMENT FILTRATION?

Sediment filtration is the first line of defence in your water purification process post tank. 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 systems excel at filtering these impurities, providing you with cleaner water directly from your tap.

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 visible sediments 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.

Typically, we utilise a dual-chamber sediment filter system, with the first filter chamber capturing the larger sediment debris and the second filter chamber targeting the smaller sediment particles down to 1 micron. Maintenance typically requires only periodic replacement of filter cartridges every 6-12 months.

Carbon filters can also be employed, usually as part of a triple-chamber sediment filter system. They help remove odour, taste, and colour from the water as it passes through the filter. Carbon filters can specifically target water discolouration caused by tannins colouring the water caused by vegetation steeping in the water tank (Like native plant debris). They can be useful in certain circumstances but often are misused to mask the symptoms of a water tank that needs cleaning!

Sediment filters do not remove chemicals, bacteria, heavy metals, or dissolved particulate matter. They are most effective when serving as a prefilter for other filtration systems. This is the reason sediment filtration often works with other filtration methods, like ultraviolet purification.

Filter Types:

Sediment filters varying from 20, 10, 5, and 1 micron: Designed for the removal of debris and organic matter
Carbon filters: Targets odours, colour, and taste
Filter sizes are 10″ or 20″

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 every 3-12 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.

WHAT IS 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 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, viruses, and protozoa that are narrower than 1 micron and can evade sediment filters.
Hassle-free with UV Bulb replacements required approximately 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.

WHAT FILTRATION SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR ME?

When selecting a filtration system for your home, the system size and number of filters you need will depend on several key factors. By assessing elements such as water source, location and surrounds, water use, household/building size, and your desired filtration levels, you can ensure that your filtration system is optimised for your needs and maximum effectiveness.

The filtration system can come in various configurations including:

The Housing Unit Type:

Typically, these units come in single, dual, or triple housing units.

The Sediment Filter Chamber Size:

Vary from 10″ to 20″ filter chamber size (can be regular or slimline width)

This flexibility allows you to install a filtration system fit to your specific needs for cleaner, safer water.

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.

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 microbiological and chemical 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.

Interested in a personalised filtration system for your water tank? Contact us today for expert advice tailored to your needs!