Common Water Treatment Problems

Hard Water -Calcium and Magnesium. Soap Scum, and Scale Build-Up.

Iron - Clear (Ferrous), Red (Ferric), & Bacteria Related Iron. Stains Red

Manganese -Similar concerns as Iron, but usually stains Black.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) -Indicates the total amount of dissolved minerals in the water. This would include the Hardness, Iron and Sodium, but not Bacteria or H2S.

Bacteria -Microorganisms that multiply and feed from the elements in water. Can be very harmful, such as Fecal Coliform, or only an aesthetic concern like Iron Bacteria.

Arsenic -Now considered one of the poisonous elements in water. Must remove at very low amounts (0.01 mg/l).

Tannins -Decaying vegetation in water. Gives water a tea colour.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) -In a gas form, and gives a Rotten Egg smell to the water. Will normally dissipate when exposed to atmosphere, but can be associated to Bacteria concerns, and in high enough levels, could be harmful.

Water Softener

Tannin/Colour Remover

Brine Tank

Resin

Tank

Control Valve

Iron Filter

Control Valve

Pot. Perm.

Feeder

Mineral

Tank

Drain Line

Air Gapped Drain

Brine Line

Regenerate

Line

Direction Of Flow

Reverse Osmosis Systems-When and Where Does It Fit?

•An RO reduces TDS. The conductivity of the water is effected by the TDS in the water. Generally speaking, Low TDS=Low Minerals and Salts in water.

•RO systems are considered a purifier, due to the reduction of the TDS, thus bringing water closer to it’s original form, without the elements found in TDS.

•Use RO systems when water has taste or smell concerns. Use RO water for an health related concern.

•An RO should always be the last product in the treatment chain, except if an UV is used for post RO protection.

•An RO should only be used, whenever possible, on clear Microbiological safe water.

Giardia & Cryptosporidium Cysts 99.99% Sodium 95 - 99%

Nitrate 90 - 99% Arsenic +5 95 -99 %

Lead 95 - 99 % Copper 95 - 99 %

5 Stage Reverse Osmosis System

Ultraviolet Light (UV) Disinfection Systems

•For the disinfection or sterilization of microorganisms.

•Specifically, UV affects the DNA structure of a Bacteria cell. The sterilized Bacteria can not reproduce. Now considered harmless.

•The flow through a UV is critical for effective dosage. Flow Control

•The water quality entering the UV MUST be clear, or low in Turbidity.

•A sediment cartridge rated @ 5 Micron, minimum, should always be used to pre treat the water, along with appropriate Filtration.

•A UV is always installed after pretreatment

•Often used at the point of entry (POE), a UV is more effective installed as close to the point of use (POU) as possible.

UV System•Flow GPM must be regulated to rating of UV

•Incoming water must be clear in colour

•Maintain constant power to unit

•Use surge protectors

Chemical Feed Pump Systems

Two types are most common:

•Solenoid/Diaphragm ( Pulsafeeder, LMI,)

•Peristaltic ( Stenner )

Both styles can be 115V or 230V.

Both can be on/off or remote controlled.

Both require attention to chemicals used, and sizing requirements.

Sizing a Pump:

Well Pump GPM x Required Dosage PPM x 1440 / Solution Strength PPM = Feed Rate in GPD

Dosage Calculations:

1 PPM Bleach =1 PPM Iron, 3 PPM Bleach = 1 PPM H2S,

* Plus add required residual to dosage. ( 0.5 to 1 PPM)

Solution Strength:

5% Bleach – 52,500PPM. 12.5% Bleach – 125,000PPM.

Choose a pump’s max. output that is twice the GPD required.

Rule of thumb for contact time is 20 Minutes. Actual pH and temp. of water does have an impact on contact time required.

Well Pump

Pressure Tank

Non-Chlorinated Outside Service Line.

If Required.

Chemical Injection Pump, and Solution Tank.

Injection Point

Check Valve

Contact Tank

Optional Chemical Pump Flow Meter

Multi-Media Filter

Carbon Filter

To Service Line

Standard Chlorine Pump System

C/W Non-Chlorinated Outside Service

Usual Sequence or Placement of Common Filtration Products

Well Pump

Pressure Tank

Iron FilterMulti-Media

Filter

Water

Softener

Carbon Filter

Brine TankPot.Perm.

Feeder

5 Micron

Sediment

UV

RO System

To Drinking Water Faucet