Drinking water treatment
When the quality is not up to standard, but it is not possible to tackle the quality problem “at the root” for cost or other decisive reasons.
Microbiology is the problem.
UV disinfection is an option for low and non-permanent contamination. This has the advantage that no significant pressure drop is produced, which would have to be compensated for by the system. The system must be correctly designed and adjusted and regularly maintained. A drift check of the sensor must be carried out every six months and an operating log must be kept. The system must be cleaned, the emitter sleeve must be inspected visually, and ventilation filters (if present) must be replaced.
However, depending on the classification of the organisms and other contaminants, this solution may not be available, or may not be the only solution. It must also be ensured that the operator notices when their system switches to warning or even alarm mode, for example. The responsibilities for maintenance and cleaning and the procedure for alarm notifications must also be set out in writing if the supply is larger.
Various filter systems, from fine filters, slow filters, depth filters, centrifugal filters, and activated carbon filters to ultrafiltration, are also possible individual or system components as a solution. Here, it is important to ensure that a functional check and/or visual inspection is possible in order to guarantee proper operation. Differential pressure gauges, turbidity sensors, or conductivity measurements can be useful additions here. Let us advise you and plan a system tailored to your water and your needs. Contact us!
Heavy metals are the problem
If there really is no better solution, the first thing to do is to ensure that, for example, when the pipe enters the drinking water system, it does not continue to deteriorate. The first step here is to check the grounding. Stagnation and oversizing can be counteracted. In addition, the question of compliance with the flow rule for mixed installations must be clarified, the chemical and physical properties of your drinking water must be clarified, and, under certain circumstances, the pipe network must be adapted at the property entrance. Perhaps the possibility of a terminal solution should be examined, i.e., you install a filter on the angle valve, e.g., in the kitchen... Passivation of the pipeline may be necessary. Perhaps temporarily with a phosphate-containing additive – but be careful – the pipeline network must of course be free of risk areas where microbiology can then multiply extremely rapidly due to this nutrient input. This must be clarified or eliminated in advance. You see... if you go down this route... it is therefore advisable in any case to call in an expert. As soon as there is imminent danger – if the limit value is exceeded, you must first assume this to be the case – notifications must be issued to all parties involved.
Concealing lead contamination in the drinking water in an apartment building is a criminal offense. There is no need to panic, but sitting back and doing nothing is not an option either. Give us a call, we will be happy to provide you with further information.
Sediments or humic substances are the problem
Depending on the flow rate, the manufacturing industry offers different solutions. Centrifugal filters are great—but they can only be used under certain conditions, and the design of the filters themselves varies depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to ensure that the filter is adapted to the on-site situation. Depth filters have a longer service life than filter cartridges, but you cannot see how full they are. Prices should also be kept in mind here. Sometimes it is worthwhile to set the maintenance intervals a little higher in order to use much cheaper filters. Pre-filters are necessary for fine-pored membrane filters. The pressure drop must be taken into account. The type of sediment fractions and the degree of fluctuation due to humic substances must be taken into account when designing and feeding the filters. Load control and logging is also necessary for self-suppliers, because a poorly maintained filter causes more contamination than it is useful. If a fine filter is used that also retains calcium and magnesium, this interferes with the calcium-carbonic acid balance. An excess of carbonic acid is produced and the pH value changes. Corrosion properties must therefore be taken into account, especially if the water was previously quite calcareous.
Other Contamination?
We could write novels about this, but it's better if you give us a call. Explain your situation, request a quote, and then you'll know where you stand.