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Home   /   Knowledge Base   /   8 Critical Water Treatment Facts: Read this before Purchasing

8 Critical Water Treatment Facts: Read this before Purchasing

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Article ID: KBA-5
Date: November, 2024

8 Water Treatment Facts You Need to Consider

Critical Water Treatment Facts should be top of mind when you start the journey to select the right water treatment system; there are several factors you need to consider. Selecting the correct water treatment system is not a one-size-fits-all process. It requires a tailored approach, as the needs of every home and business may vary. Understanding these factors is crucial to ensuring your chosen system is effective, efficient, and suits your requirements.

For example, typically, you would want to evaluate your water source, water usage, available space for a water treatment system and what budget you have available. Below, we give you our eight critical factors to consider and a more detailed look at each factor to help you make an informed decision.

1. Identify Your Water Source

Knowing where your water comes from is crucial. Is it a municipal supply, a well, or a natural source like a river, lake or man-made dam? Different water sources will have different contaminants and require different treatment systems.

Understanding your water source

Before choosing a water treatment system, you must understand your water source. The type of water you’re dealing with will significantly influence your choice of water treatment system. Every water source has its unique characteristics that you should be aware of.

There are two broad categories of water sources – surface water and groundwater.

  • Surface Water: Includes sources like rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Surface water generally contains more organic material and microorganisms as it is exposed to the environment and runoff from land surfaces. Therefore, it may need more thorough treatment to ensure it’s safe for use.
  • Groundwater: This includes wells and springs. Groundwater tends to have more dissolved minerals and less organic material than surface water, so different treatment options might be required to remove these minerals.

Once you know your water source, it’s equally crucial to identify the potential contaminants in your water. This can be achieved through a comprehensive water analysis. The result of this analysis will guide you on the appropriate water treatment system to opt for. Please do not underestimate the importance of this step, as the effectiveness of your water treatment system largely depends on it.

Note: Factors such as industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and natural contaminants can compromise the quality and safety of your water. It is always wise to have your water source regularly tested for potential contaminants.

Remember, choosing a water treatment system requires careful consideration of your specific water source and potential contaminants. With this knowledge, you can make an informed decision and invest in a system that guarantees safe, clean water.

2. Get Your Water Tested

Firstly, you need to understand the water quality you are dealing with. This involves testing the water to identify any contaminants or impurities present. The test results will guide you in determining the type of water treatment system you need. For instance, if your water has high lead levels, you would need a system that specifically removes lead.

The different types of water testing

Different types of water tests can be conducted to determine drinking water quality. These tests include physical, chemical, and microbiological tests. Physical tests measure the appearance, colour, and odour of the water. Chemical tests measure the presence of contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and pesticides. Microbiological tests can detect bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Testing water for drinking

Testing drinking water is essential because it helps to identify any contaminants that may be present. This information can be used to determine the type of water treatment system needed to remove the impurities and ensure that the water is safe for consumption. It is recommended to test drinking water at least once a year or more frequently if there are concerns about water quality.

Who does the water testing?

A certified laboratory or a home testing kit can do water testing. Accredited laboratories have advanced equipment and trained personnel to conduct accurate and reliable tests. Home testing kits are easy to use and can provide quick results, but they may not be as accurate as tests conducted by a certified laboratory.

3. Consider Your Water Usage

Another critical factor to consider is the amount of water you use. Suppose you run a business that requires large volumes of water, such as a restaurant, hotel or manufacturing plant. In that case, you’ll need a system that can efficiently handle such volumes without compromising the water quality.

How to work out your water usage

To calculate water usage for a water treatment system, you must determine how much your household or business uses daily. You can do this by checking your water bills or using a water meter to measure your water consumption over time. It is essential to consider all sources of water usage, including drinking, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation, if applicable.

Flow rate

Once you have determined your daily water usage, you can calculate the flow rate required for your water treatment system. The flow rate is the amount of water passing through the system in a given time, usually measured in litres per minute (LPM). To calculate the flow rate, divide your daily water usage by the number of daily minutes. For example, if your daily water usage is 500 litres, your flow rate would be approximately 21 LPM (500/24=20.83).

Factor in peak demand

Peak demand is another factor to consider when calculating water usage for a water treatment system. Peak demand is the maximum amount of water your household or business uses. It is typically during periods of high water usage, such as when multiple people are showering or when irrigation systems are running. It is essential to choose a water treatment system that can handle your peak demand to ensure sufficient water pressure and flow rate during these times.

Allow for expansion

Finally, it is vital to consider any future changes in water usage when selecting a water treatment system. Suppose you plan to expand your household or business or anticipate changes in water usage patterns. In that case, you should choose a system that can accommodate these changes or be easily upgraded. This may require a more extensive system or one with greater capacity to ensure that your water treatment needs are met in the future.

4. Understand Your Budget

Let’s face it: cost is a significant factor in any decision-making process. While some systems may be more affordable upfront, they can be costly in the long run due to maintenance and operational costs. Therefore, it’s essential to factor in the initial cost and long-term expenses when selecting.

5. How Much Space Do You Have?

How much room do you have to spare? Space is indeed a crucial factor to consider before you make your choice. Your premises might be cosy and compact, requiring a system fitting snugly into a small space.

On the other hand, if you’re blessed with ample room, a larger system could be ideal. Before making that all-important purchase, remember to measure your available space precisely. It’s all about making your water treatment system work harmoniously with your surroundings.

6. Check for Certifications

Ensure any system you are considering is certified by a reputable organisation. This guarantees that the system is effective and safe to use.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the right water treatment system for your needs. Remember, clean and safe water is not just a luxury but a necessity for people and businesses.

7. Regulatory Requirements

If you are operating a business, you may need to comply with specific regulatory requirements. These regulations can influence the type of system you choose, so it’s crucial to be aware of them in advance.

What could these regulatory requirements be?

Regulatory requirements for water treatment systems can vary depending on your location, industry, and specific application. Common examples include adherence to health and safety standards set by governmental agencies, which regulate water contaminants’ allowable levels.

Additionally, businesses may need to comply with local water discharge permits, which dictate the acceptable quality of water released into municipal systems or the environment.

Industries like food and beverage production or healthcare often have stricter water quality regulations to meet sanitation and operational standards. Regulating bodies often require periodic inspections and record submissions to verify system compliance.

8. Environmental impact

Choosing the right water treatment system is more than meeting your home or business water needs. It’s also about considering the environmental implications of your choice. Here’s what you need to know about the environmental impact of your water treatment system.

Firstly, the system’s energy usage is an important factor. High energy usage can result in higher electricity usage. Water treatment systems that utilise advanced technologies may be more energy-efficient and have less environmental impact.

Water waste is another significant concern. Some systems, especially Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems, tend to produce a lot of wastewater. You need to consider the waste-to-purified water ratio of your chosen system.

“It’s important to consider the environmental impact of a water treatment system, from energy usage to waste production.”

Chemical usage is another factor. Some water treatment systems use chemicals to treat the water, which can have environmental consequences. Finding a system that minimises chemical use or uses environmentally friendly alternatives is critical.

Another crucial factor is the lifespan of the system and its components. Systems that require frequent replacement parts can contribute to waste. Opt for a durable system that needs minimal part replacements.

The Dowdens Water Treatment Team can Help

At Dowdens, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored water treatment solutions that meet your needs while prioritising sustainability and efficiency. Our experienced team works closely with clients to assess their requirements, ensuring the recommended systems align with environmental considerations and operational goals.

Whether you need assistance selecting an energy-efficient system, reducing wastewater production, or minimising chemical usage, we are well-equipped to provide reliable guidance and high-quality products.

Additionally, we offer maintenance and support services to help you extend the lifespan of your system, reduce waste, and ensure long-term performance. Trust Dowdens to deliver professional, innovative, and environmentally conscious water treatment solutions.

Contact Dowdens

Featured Products

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment offers a wide range of water treatment solutions. Our extensive selection allows us to provide customised solutions for any project, supported by our industry-trained engineers, draftsmen, project managers, salespeople, and tradespeople who can design tailored solutions for various purposes.

Our experienced team is ready to assist you in selecting the right products to meet your needs. Whether you require an immediate solution or are planning for the long term, we can help you source the products necessary for a successful installation.

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Grundfos DDE 60-10 99246457 Digital Dosing Pump

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Grundfos DDE 15-4 97721272 Digital Dosing Pump

Featured Capabilities

Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment provides comprehensive services across various industries, including tailored Asset Management, a user-friendly Document Library, and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for large projects.

Our Knowledge Base aids in troubleshooting pumping and water treatment challenges, while branches in Mackay, Rockhampton, Brisbane, and Proserpine offer convenient access to workshop and field services.

Additionally, the Photo Library showcases completed projects, a skilled Solutions Engineering team for design and system servicing, and a Video Library with informative content.

Asset Management

Case Studies

Document Library

Knowledge Base

Photo Library

Solutions Engineering

Video Library

Featured Documents

At Dowdens, we are committed to providing our customers with the resources they need to make informed decisions and achieve their goals. That’s why we maintain a comprehensive Document Library brimming with valuable insights about our latest product offerings, industry expertise, and real-world applications.

Featured Videos

Dowdens has a large video library that we hope will provide insights and help you better understand how our products work and can be used. You can view our entire library by clicking on the link below.

Featured Case Studies

Looking for more information, our Case Studies provide detailed insights into various projects that Dowdens Pumping & Water Treatment has effectively managed and completed.

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Dulux Group Water Treatment Installation

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Nebo Township Water Treatment Plant

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Truck Stop / Service Station Water and Sewage Treatment Plant with Irrigation System

CS-29 – January 2013

Modular Packaged Potable Water Treatment Plant for Quarries

CS-46 – January 2018

Water Treatment System - Ultrapure Water Production

CS-37 – June 2016

Coppabella Township Water Treatment Plant

CS-86 – April 2010

Portable Packaged Potable Water Treatment Plants

CS-49 – December 2012

Reverse Osmosis Treatment System for Townsville General Hospital

Are you Interested in Water Treatment Solutions?

The Dowdens Team are ready to help. Contact us today for more information and to start the conversation.

Our Locations

Dowdens has four convenient locations throughout Queensland. We have branches in Mackay and Proserpine in the north, servicing the Sugar and Coal industries, a centrally located branch in Rockhampton, specialising in the Agricultural and Coal industries, and a branch in Brisbane, servicing multiple industries in southeast Queensland.

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