Some true advantages
The ideal filtration system for businesses
In the last few years, point-of-use filtration systems have gained in popularity which is understandable considering the circumstances. Once installed, they offer undeniable advantages - provided that they are scrupulously maintained. They provide:
- a continuous supply of fresh filtered water
- no waiting time between deliveries
- nothing to lift or transport
- no storage place needed for bottles
- no pollution due to water processing or bottle transportation
- no plastic bottles in the environment
Here is an overview including the advantages and disadvantages of the main filtration systems: Coal filters ; UV lamps ; Reverse osmosis ; Ozonation.
Coal filters
Water sifts through a coal filter that absorbs any chemical substances. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes.
| Advantages: |
- Reduces odors, improves taste
- Simple, fast and clean system
- Retains fluoride
- Reduces organic chemical substances
- Eliminate deposits
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| Disadvantages: |
- Does not filter all germs and bacteria
- Frequent cleaning of the filters required to avoid unwanted particle accumulation
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UV Lamps
A source of UV rays (generally a quartz bulb), protected by transparent housing, is immersed in a container. The exposure to the UV rays modifies the DNA of the micro-organisms and prevents them from reproducing.
| Advantages: |
- The most effective way to eliminate bacteria, virus and coliforms
- A simple and natural process with no chemical additives
- Require minimum cleaning and maintenance
- Preserves the water's taste and quality
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| Disadvantages: |
- Water treated with UV rays cannot be preserved for long periods
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Reverse osmosis
Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane with tiny pores that removes minerals as well as certain chemical substances. A container attached to the equipment collects a small quantity of water.
| Advantages: |
- Eliminates most minerals and chemical substances
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| Disadvantages: |
- Expensive process with slow output
- Limited to pre-filtered water, must be combined with another water treatment device
- Does not disinfect water to make it pure and clear
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Ozonation
A high-voltage electrical discharge is sent through clean and dry air thereby generating ozone. The raw water is then passed through a venturi throat which creates a vacuum and forces the ozone gas into the water. The air then bubbles up through the water as it is being treated.
| Advantages: |
- Eliminates a large variety of organic and inorganic compounds, and microbial agents
- Eliminates unwanted taste and odors
- Effective over a broad pH range
- Fast treatment of bacteria and viruses
- Short reaction time
- No chemicals added
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| Disadvantages: |
- High cost of equipment and operation
- No germicide or disinfectant provided to prevent or slow down a possible upsurge of micro-organisms
- Coal post-filtration system required to guarantee the quality of water
- Pre-treatment may be necessary to reduce water hardness or addition of polyphosphate may be required for preventing carbonate deposits
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