TECHNOLOGY COMPARISON

In order to realize the full extent of the capabilities that we offer, it is necessary to look at the benefits that we provide side-by-side with those of the other common treatment options.

We will compare ultra-filtration with:

The parameters that are most often monitored are:

a) Ability to remove microorganisms

1. Homespring, at 0.02 microns is certified to remove 4-log cysts, 5-log virus and 7-log bacteria.
2. UV does not kill microorganisms. At best, it alters their DNA to prevent reproduction. There are studies that show that species such as E. coli can reverse this sterilization. UV is also impacted by turbidity and the resulting UV transmittance.
3. Tap filters do not remove any organisms. In fact, they can become a breeding ground for more.
4. RO is able to remove microorganisms, but these systems provide a direct linkage between feed and product water, providing a means to bypass the treatment and are known to be corrosive to pipes.
5. The ability of chlorine to kill bacteria is totally dependent on residual levels in the distribution system but can create harmful By-Products which are known carcinogens. Recent studies have shown some bacteria are not affected by chlorine.

b) Impact on taste and odour, ie potability of the water

1. Homespring removes residual chlorine in the prefilter and turbidity in the membranes producing clear fresh-tasting water.
2. UV has zero effect on taste and odour.
3. Tap filters are capable of removing chlorine, only if they are changed regularly.
4. RO removes turbidity improving the appearance. Chlorine levels are required to be low for RO membrane life. However, they also remove essential minerals from the water, which the WHO advises against.
5. Chlorination contributes to poor taste and odour.

c) Provision for system cleaning/self-cleaning

1. Homespring is PLC controlled to monitor when membrane self cleaning is required. The integrity of the membranes is also remotely monitored to protect against potential membrane breaks.
2. UV can incorporate automatic bulb wipes, however many are manual. Bulbs can also become scorched by particulate reducing their effectiveness.
3. Tap filters do not require cleaning. They must be replaced on regular intervals or they risk becoming the cause of further contamination.
4. Most RO systems do not provide for in-situ membrane cleaning. They rely on extensive pretreatment to eliminate the need for cleaning and they waste 30-70% of the water in the treatment process. They do not qualify for equal certification standards.
5. Chlorination does not require cleaning but does require filtration to remove harmful effects.

d) Energy consumption

1. Homespring requires no power to filter the water, only incoming line pressure.
2. UV systems require large amounts of power for lamp operation.
3. Tap filters do not require power.
4. RO systems need large amounts of power to generate the feed pressures for separation to occur.

Our comparison is tabulated herein.

*Please refer to certification and testing data for more information

YES =

NO =

SOME =