If your tap water has an unusual taste, smell, sediment, or other quality concerns, the first step is to understand where the water comes from and what is affecting it.
Improving tap water quality is not simply about buying the biggest filter or adding more filtration stages. The right system depends on the water entering your home and the problems that need to be addressed.
UV Water Systems takes a multi-stage approach to household water treatment. Its systems combine different filtration stages with UV treatment, giving each part of the system a specific job.
For homeowners, this means looking at the complete water treatment system rather than expecting one filter to solve every water quality concern.
What Can Affect Tap Water Quality?
The quality of water entering your home can depend on its source and the conditions around it.
Homes may use mains water, rainwater, tank water, or other water sources. Rainwater systems, for example, can be affected by what collects on the roof and enters through the gutters. Overhanging trees, dirty gutters, dusty or gravel roads, and dirty water tanks can all contribute to poorer incoming water quality.
These conditions matter because the quality of water entering a filtration system can affect how long the filters last.
UV Water Systems says its cartridges are tested to last around 9 to 12 months, but poor incoming water quality can reduce their lifespan. Addressing the source of the problem can help avoid unnecessarily frequent filter changes.
How UV Water Systems Filters Water
One important part of improving tap water quality is using the right filtration stages.
UV Water Systems uses a three-stage filtration setup, with each cartridge designed to handle a different part of the filtration process.
1. Pleated 5-Micron Filter for Sand and Sediment
The first stage is a pleated 5-micron filter.
Its job is to catch sand and sediment before the water moves through the rest of the system. Removing these larger particles first helps prepare the water for the following filtration stages.
This is particularly important for water supplies where sediment can enter the system.
2. Carbon 5-Micron Filter for Taste, Smell and Chemicals
The second stage is a 5-micron carbon filter.
UV Water Systems uses this stage to address issues such as taste, smell, discolouration and certain chemicals such as Roundup.
Carbon filtration is particularly useful when homeowners are concerned about the taste or smell of their water. It has a different role from the first sediment filter, which is why the stages work together rather than relying on one cartridge to do everything.
3. Melt Blown 1-Micron Filter for Fine Material
The third stage is a 1-micron melt blown filter.
This stage helps deal with minor residual material left after the carbon stage and other small floating matter.
By the time water reaches the UV chamber, it has passed through several filtration stages designed to reduce the material that could affect the treatment process.
Why Filtration Matters Before UV Treatment
Filtration and UV treatment perform different jobs.
The filters help remove sediment and other unwanted material from the water. The UV chamber then uses ultraviolet light as part of the sterilisation process.
UV Water Systems explains that the turbidity of the water entering the UV chamber is one of the factors that affects successful sterilisation. This is one reason correct filtration is so important.
A UV system should not be viewed as simply a lamp added to a water pipe. The filtration, flow rate, chamber and lamp all need to work together.
Why Water Flow Matters in a UV System
The amount of time water spends inside the UV chamber also matters.
UV Water Systems explains that the flow rate through the chamber affects how long the water is exposed to UV light. The length and width of the chamber also form part of the calculation.
Its chambers are internally offset and polished to improve exposure.
This is why choosing a UV system based only on its size or price can be misleading. The whole system needs to be correctly designed for the water passing through it.
Choosing the Right Filter Matters
It can be tempting to choose a less dense filter because it may allow more water to flow through the system.
However, UV Water Systems points out that using higher-micron, uncertified filters can also mean opening up the filter pores and allowing more contaminants through.
In other words, better water flow should not automatically mean using a less effective filter.
For systems where flow is an issue, UV Water Systems also offers radial carbon filters designed to help with flow. These are identified by an “H” at the end of the filter set code.
The goal is to use a filter that suits the system rather than simply choosing the filter with the largest openings.
Keep Your Water Tank Clean
For homes that use a water tank, tank maintenance can have a direct effect on the filtration system.
A heavy layer of sediment can sit at the bottom of a tank. When there is a large downpour, that sediment can become disturbed and move through the water system.
UV Water Systems recommends having heavily sedimented tanks vacuumed out every couple of years.
There is also an important point to remember after tank cleaning.
The company advises not replacing the filters immediately after the tank has been cleaned. Instead, the filters should be left for a week because sediment and bacteria can be pushed into the pipes during the cleaning process and may then be drawn into the filters.
If there is any doubt, checking the filters the day after the tank has been cleaned can help show how much material has reached them.
Look After Your Gutters and Surroundings
Water quality problems do not always begin inside the filtration system.
If leaves, dirt and other material are getting into a rainwater tank, the filters have to deal with that material later.
UV Water Systems specifically identifies overhanging trees, dirty gutters, gravel or dusty roads and dirty water tanks as factors that can contribute to poor incoming water quality and shorter filter life.
Simple maintenance around the property can therefore support the filtration system.
Keeping gutters clean and dealing with overhanging vegetation can reduce the amount of unwanted material entering the water collection system.
When Should Water Filters Be Changed?
There is no benefit in leaving old filters in place simply to save money on replacement cartridges.
UV Water Systems states that its cartridges are tested to last around 9 to 12 months.
However, the actual lifespan depends on the quality of the water entering them. If the incoming water contains more sediment and other material, the filters may not last as long.
This is why filter replacement should be considered together with the condition of the water source. Replacing filters without addressing the reason they are loading up quickly may simply lead to the same problem again.
Why UV Lamps Need Regular Replacement
Filters are not the only components that need attention.
UV lamps gradually lose output over time. UV Water Systems explains that after 10,000-plus hours, or approximately 12 to 18 months, UV lamps are on average down to less than 70% of their output and require replacement.
The replacement lamp also needs to be the correct one for the system.
UV Water Systems has had customers need new ballasts after installing the wrong lamp. The lamp and ballast are calibrated to work together, and installing the wrong lamp can short the ballast and affect the operation of the system.
This is another reason why UV system maintenance should not be treated as simply changing a light bulb.
Do Not Forget the Quartz Sleeve
The quartz sleeve is another important part of the UV system.
It sits inside the stainless-steel chamber around the UV lamp and needs to be handled carefully because it is fragile.
UV Water Systems explains that the quartz sleeve uses wedge silicon seals and nylon backup O-rings. The O-rings help prevent the silicon seals from being pulled or split when the stainless-steel end caps are installed.
The quartz sleeve needs an annual clean, while the seals require changing.
Keeping these components maintained is part of keeping the UV system operating correctly.
Why Annual Servicing Matters
A home water treatment system has several working parts. Filters, UV lamps, the quartz sleeve, seals, the chamber and other components all need to be in suitable condition.
UV Water Systems recommends annual servicing of its systems.
Regular servicing gives homeowners an opportunity to check the condition of the system and replace components when required rather than waiting for a noticeable water quality problem.
The company also provides system service support and can help homeowners understand their water treatment setup.
What Certifications Should You Look For?
When choosing a water treatment system, it is worth looking beyond the number of filtration stages.
UV Water Systems states that its systems are certified to NSF 55 Class A and B, NSF 42 and NSF POE (Point of Entry), along with structural systems certification. The company also states that it has 10 years of systems, parts, lamp and filter testing experience.
Looking at the certifications and testing associated with a system can provide useful information when comparing water treatment options.
What Is the Best Way to Improve Tap Water Quality?
There is no single filter that is right for every home.
The right approach depends on the water entering the property, the issues affecting that water, the flow requirements and the type of treatment needed.
For example, UV Water Systems' three-stage filtration setup addresses different filtration needs:
● Pleated 5-micron filter: sand and sediment
● Carbon 5-micron filter: taste, smell, discolouration and certain chemicals
● Melt blown 1-micron filter: minor residual material and small floating matter
The filtered water can then move through the UV chamber, where factors such as turbidity, flow rate, chamber design and lamp specifications affect the sterilisation process.
This staged approach is more practical than assuming one filter or one treatment method can solve every water quality concern.
Improve Your Tap Water by Looking at the Whole System
If you want to improve tap water quality, start by looking at the whole water system.
Check where your water comes from. Look at the condition of your gutters and water tank. Make sure the correct filters are being used and replaced when required. If you have a UV system, make sure the lamp, chamber, quartz sleeve and other components receive the required maintenance.
UV Water Systems' approach is based on the idea that the different parts of a water treatment system need to work together. The company explains that its filtration systems are only as good as the filters and lamps installed in them, which is why regular servicing matters.
For homeowners who are unsure about their current setup, getting advice based on the home's water source and actual water quality concerns can be a better starting point than simply buying another filter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve tap water quality at home?
Start by identifying the source of your water and the problem affecting it. A suitable filtration system can address sediment, taste, smell, discolouration and certain chemicals. UV treatment can then form part of the system where sterilisation is required.
How often should water filters be replaced?
UV Water Systems states that its cartridges are tested to last around 9 to 12 months. However, poor incoming water quality can shorten filter life, particularly when the water contains high levels of sediment or other unwanted material.
Why is filtration important before UV treatment?
Filtration helps reduce turbidity and unwanted material before water enters the UV chamber. UV Water Systems explains that turbidity, flow rate, chamber dimensions and lamp specifications all affect the sterilisation process.
How often should a UV lamp be replaced?
UV Water Systems states that UV lamps generally require replacement after more than 10,000 hours, or approximately 12 to 18 months, when their output can fall below 70% on average.
Does a water tank need regular cleaning?
Yes. UV Water Systems recommends having a tank with heavy sediment vacuumed out every couple of years. After cleaning, the company advises waiting a week before replacing the filters because sediment and bacteria can be pushed into the pipes during the cleaning process.
Why should the correct UV lamp be used?
The lamp needs to match the ballast. UV Water Systems warns that installing the wrong lamp can short the ballast and affect the operation of the system.
Does UV treatment replace water filtration?
No. UV treatment and filtration have different roles. UV Water Systems explains that water must be correctly filtered before entering the UV chamber because turbidity affects the sterilisation process.