About Water Filtration Technology
Hydrate Hawaii's point-of-use dispensers are proven to create the purest water there is. We've done all the research, design and thinking at the forefront of UV technology so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your water. This is how we do it.
There are many components to water filtration. Our responsibility at Hydrate Hawaii is to carefully review each customer's specific needs and apply industry standards for water filtration to meet their desired product water quality. The following is a brief review of the most common filtration and sanitation options available.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)
Granular activated carbon is made from raw organic materials (such as coconut shells or coal) that are high in carbon. Heat, in the absence of oxygen, is used to increase (activate) the surface area of the carbon; this is why these filters are sometimes referred to as "charcoal" filters. The activated carbon removes certain chemicals that are dissolved in water passing through a filter containing GAC by trapping (adsorbing) the chemical in the GAC.
It is very important that the type and concentration of contaminants, and average water use, be known in order to determine the correct size and components of the system. All treatment systems require proper installation and periodic maintenance. Eventually, the ability of the GAC to bind and remove chemicals is used up and the GAC needs to be changed. How often the GAC should be changed needs to be based on contaminant levels and water use. While some filters may last for several years if contaminant levels and/or water use are low, higher levels or use may require more frequent change-outs.
UV Light Disinfection
An alternative to chlorine for drinking water disinfection is UV disinfection. When ultraviolet light (UV) was first discovered as disinfection method, the problems were that it did not kill all of the bacteria and that the costs for maintaining and installing UV light based reactors were high. However, over the years development in the UV-sector has decreased the costs significantly and optimization of UV-radiation has made this a viable method for water disinfection. Today, after many years of research, it is recognized that the most effective alternative water disinfection process available is UV-irradiation.
BioCote®
Waterlogic dispensers have the outside covered as well as the inside. Plastic surfaces surrounding dispensing areas of Waterlogic units are infused with a silver additive called BioCote®. Silver is a natural anti-microbial that inhibits the growth of microorganisms, giving yet another layer of hygienic defense after filtration and UV purification.
Our exclusive agreement with BioCote® provides protection that other water coolers don’t have. Which bacteria take a hit? MRSA, E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Clostridium difficile and Pseudomonas, to name but a few.
BioCote® protected products are not only validated but also undergo continuous quality control testing to ISO 22196 at an independent laboratory. Test results for Waterlogic’s POU dispensers have demonstrated reduction by >99.9% against microbes that can cause degradation or deterioration of the product surfaces. Waterlogic utilizes the BioCote® brand as a guarantee of superior antimicrobial product protection.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse Osmosis provides an even higher level of filtration over carbon. RO effectively removes dissolved particles (like acid, salts, nitrates, pesticides, arsenic etc). You really don’t want any of these particles in your water as apart from being unpleasant, the chances are the particles may contain bacteria.
Reverse Osmosis system
Like with all things, there are downfalls of using Reverse Osmosis filtration, as whilst it removes everything from the water, it also removes beneficial minerals that also improve taste. These beneficial minerals can however be replaced in the water with additives. RO filters work very hard by using a process called cross flow that constantly cleans the filter of debris. This means a fixed drain is needed as a lot of water does not get through the filter and needs to be flushed away.
Reverse Osmosis is ideal when the water source is unknown or is known to carry contaminants in the water.
