Water Filters for Mexico, South America and other Foreign Countries
What type of water filter is recommended for Mexico?
There has always been a concern over the potability of water in Mexico and South America. Therefore, water filtration and purification for Mexican waters has been popular topic in the water conditioning industry.
What is in the water in Mexico? Needless to say, the water chemistry in every area is different. Tap water is pulled from lakes, streams, rivers and shallow wells. The water can contain bacteria, harmful metals, chemicals, organics pesticides and many other contaminants that run off into the country’s water supplies. With that being said, it is essential to have the water tested by a notable laboratory then treated for specific water chemistry. We also recommend treating above and beyond what is in the water at the time of testing to be assured of safe and healthy water in the future.
In most cases, Mexican water can be processed through pre-filtration and treatment, reverse osmosis, post filtration and ultra violet disinfection.
The water chemistry is only one concern when filtering the water in Mexico. Typical water pressure is extremely low, preventing purification through reverse osmosis unless there is a way to boost the pressure at the point of treatment. Booster pumps are a necessity to bring the pressure up to enable the use of high quality membranes for the proper treatment. Needless to say, electricity is required for reverse osmosis purification. The reverse osmosis system will also require a drain for the contaminants to be rejected and discharged.
The following is a typical process of water filtration and purification for foreign waters of unknown contaminants. DEPENDING ON THE QUALITY OF THE WATER, AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRICITY, DRAIN AND OTHER FACTORS, THIS PROCESS MAY NOT BE SPECIFIC TO YOUR NEEDS. PLEASE CONSULT WITH A VIBRANT WATER ENGINEER FOR MORE INFORMATION.
1. Pre-Filtration: Removal of turbidity and sediment to protect the other steps of water treatment.
2. Ultra Violet Disinfection: In some cases, it may be necessary to treat the water with ultra violet disinfection to protect the other steps of filtration from contamination.
3. KDF Pre-Filtration. This media is well known for its bacteria-static properties along with removing trace heavy metals from the water.
4. Carbon Pre-Filtration: Depending on incoming water chemistry, it may be necessary to use carbon pre-filtration to remove chlorine and other chemicals that may be damaging to the membrane.
5. Reverse Osmosis: This step is the major component to treat unknown foreign water. 90% of the process occurs at this stage. Because of this, it is very important proper pre-filtration is established and monitored as well.
6. Product Water Storage: Depending on the size of the system, the processed water is stored in a closed atmospheric or hydro-pneumatic tank.
7. Sediment Filter: When water is drawn for use, the water is pumped through a sediment filter to remove any particulates that may be in the water
8. Ultra Violet Disinfection: This final disinfection is imperative to protect the user from any possibility of pathogens in the water.
9. Carbon Post Treatment: As the final step before use, coconut shell carbon is typically used to improve the overall taste of the water and remove any trace chemical contaminants that may be in the water.
These types of systems can be engineered and designed for single, under sink point of use applications, whole house reverse osmosis, up to large commercial water purification systems for restaurants, hotels, resorts and businesses. Vibrant Water has also been instrumental in the design and engineering of bottled water plants bottled water stores and factories in Mexico and South America.