Cottage Country Summer Prep: Water Filtration Basics and Filtration Systems
- 0 Comment(s)
- /
Water Filtration is the method we use to make water safe to drink.
This is important for areas that get their drinking water from a lake, creek, or river. Cottage Country in Ontario is one of the most popular in Canada for needing water filtration solutions.
The first thing to consider is if you are trying to increase the potability or the decontamination in order to create drinking water.
Water filtration will remove contaminants as well as bacteria. Categories of contaminants include rust, dirt, bacteria, heavy metals, and other chemicals.
When choosing a water filter it depends what you want to filter out:
- UV Filter will disinfect and kill bacteria
- Sediment Filter will get rid of dirt and solid particles
- Carbon Filter will affect the taste and odour of your drinking water
UV FILTERS
UV Filters are the most effective method for killing bacteria. UV light de-activates bacteria from reproducing by destroying the DNA structure as they pass by the UV lamp.
In the UV disinfection process, water is purified as it runs through a stainless steel chamber (also called a “reactor”) that contains a special UV-producing lamp. The water is then safe to drink. However, if you have specific micro-organisms you are dealing with you can call a member of our customer service team to ensure you are getting the right solution for your needs.
Using UV Filters is simple, effective and environmentally safe. They destroy harmful micro-organisms without adding chemicals or changing your water’s taste or odour.
In order to find the right UV lamps you need to know the flow rate of your water. It is recommended to replace UV lamps ever year.
Some of our most popular UV lamps include:
UV lamp, compatible with S8Q-PA, SSM-37 UV systems.
UV lamp, compatible with S5Q-PA, SSM-24 UV systems.
SEDIMENT FILTERS
Sediment describes any solid particles within a body of water.
Water that has lots of sediment will look cloudy or dirty looking. It can also affect your pipes by causing blockages.
A sediment filter acts as a sieve to remove these dirt particles. However, they don't remove chemicals, heavy metals or make the water taste or smell better so if you are looking for more than a sediment solution then it is better to get an all-in-one solution.
ACTIVATED CARBON FILTERS
Activated carbon filters are the most common type of water treatment solution since they remove unwanted tastes, odours, chlorine and iodine residuals, detergents, radon, and some man-made, organic chemicals such as many pesticides, and volatile organic chemicals, such as paint thinners.
Activated carbon filters are recommended for water without bacteria present.
HARDNESS ISSUE
Now, if you are looking to solve a hardness water issue then this is a different process. Then you must conduct a test to identify the hardness level. This will let you know the size of equipment for a softener cartridge.
This is the ideal solution even though you could also buy filters. You will end up spending more on filters in the long term opposed to using a softener, which will last long term. With filters, if you stayed at your cottage during the summer months but then did not return until the following year you would have to change your filter upon return. ThIs is because the inactivity would create stagnant bacteria.
ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTIONS
If you are looking to do all of the above, then the easiest way is with a Water Filtration System.
This all-in-one setup is more efficient in streamlining the water treatment process, while also providing the benefit of being easy to install. There is also less leak points since they are overall less connections to plumb.
VIQUA IHS22-D4 WHOLE HOME INTEGRATED UV WATER TREATMENT
Integrated Treatment System. 12 GPM UV w/ 4.5"x10" Dual Gradient Sediment Filter & 4.5" x 20" Carbon Block with Lead Reduction. D4 Double Rack 2 High.
VIQUA IHS12-D4 WHOLE HOME INTEGRATED UV WATER TREATMENT
Integrated Treatment System. 12 GPM UV w/ 4.5"x20" Dual Gradient Sediment Filter & 4.5" x 20" Carbon Block with Lead Reduction. D4 Double Rack.
If you have any questions about the right water filtration products for your cottage or summer home then feel free to contact our product experts at PlumbingOnline.ca.
We are always happy to help you find the right product solutions!