Filtration
is the first step in a water purification system. Filtration removes suspended solids
and corrects problems such as excess chlorine, organic compounds, low pH, iron, and
many others. Multimedia filters contain several types of filtrating media. The upper
layers capture big particles, while smaller particles are successfully retained in
the lower layers of the filtering bed. The result is a very efficient filtrating
system, since matter removal is carried out throughout the filtering bed. Multimedia
filters generally remove particles 15 to 20 microns or larger. Also, water goes through
layers of activated carbon to eliminate undesirable tastes, colors, odors, and chlorine.
Ultraviolet
rays have germicidal effects and eliminate any bacteria or viruses present in water.
The safety of UV disinfection has been scientifically proved. It is safe, effective
and environmentally-friendly compared to other water purification systems which utilize
chemicals, such as chlorination.
Microfiltration
inhibits the reproduction of microorganisms and allows longer shelf-lives. Microfiltration
is a membrane separation technique by which finer particles, with radii ranging from
0.1 to 1.5 microns, are separated from a liquid. Microfiltration
membranes have a nominal pore size of 0.2 microns.
Reverse
osmosis uses a semipermeable membrane to separate and remove dissolved solids, organic
compounds, pyrogens, colloidal matter, submicroorganisms, viruses and bacteria from
water. The process is called "reverse" osmosis because it requires pressure
to force water through a membrane, so that impurities are left behind. Reverse osmosis
can remove from 95% to 99% of total dissolved solids (TDS) and 99% of all bacteria,
thus providing safe, pure water.
Ozone
is three times more powerful than chlorine. It eliminates and prevents any bacterial
growth through a process which generates ozone by means of a high-voltage discharge
which converts oxigen (O2)
into ozone (O3).
The extra oxygen atom attracts and destroys odors, bacteria and viruses without leaving
any chemical residues that might negatively affect health or water taste. Also, as
long as the bottle remains sealed, the ozone in the headspace will preserve water
quality for longer than one year.