There are many reasons why you should use farm water purification systems. First, you’ll want to get a smaller system if you’re just starting because large RO systems can be quite expensive. Smaller RO systems can be quite affordable and are a good option for small farms. They run the water through a prefilter and a sand filter to separate large solids and particles. Once the sand filter is done, water runs through a pump to the RO filters, where osmosis membranes filter the water on a molecular level.
Reverse osmosis
A high-volume commercial reverse osmosis water purification system is used for large-scale operations. This system filters water to remove harmful contaminants and turbidity. The process is the highest level of filtration and is recommended for use in coastal locations. On farms, this process can help keep water cool by removing up to 95% of the water from the water. But this type of water purification system requires careful monitoring of the water it processes.
Reverse osmosis for farm-related water filtration systems can be a good investment. Reverse osmosis filters remove dissolved solids and increase the purity level of water. It is important to note that source water quality is typically in the 200-250 PPM range, and reverse osmosis filters will make it more palatable.
UV disinfection
There are two primary applications for ultraviolet disinfection in farm water purification systems. These treatments eliminate the most common bacteria and viruses through a process called ultraviolet radiation disinfection. UV devices must be equipped with specific wavelengths of ultraviolet light that effectively kill harmful microorganisms. The duration of exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the number of suspended solids in the water can determine the effectiveness of UV disinfection systems. They do not add any taste, odor, or residual to the water. The UV light is only absorbed by the water and penetrates it for a few seconds, ensuring no unpleasant chemicals are left behind.
One popular UV water system, the Mondragon irrigation system, connects to existing inline irrigation systems, which move water from canals to the pressurized pipe. It can be used for overhead sprinklers or furrow irrigation. In order to be effective, the water must be clear and low in turbidity. The company is adding an add-on prefilter that can reduce turbidity from hundreds of NTUs to as low as two to ten parts per million.
Recapture of rejected water
Many water treatment systems can recover some of the rejected water generated by their operations. Recaptured water is processed again, reducing the amount of waste sent to the sewer. This process can be beneficial in water-scarce areas where clean water is premium. Here are some examples of uses for this water. Recapturing rejected water with farm water purification systems sounds like an excellent idea – but how does it work?
Recapturing rejected water with farm water treatment systems helps reduce sewer and water bills. Using a permeate pump reduces the wastewater by up to 75 percent. Note that not all systems are equipped with a permeate pump. Once the storage tank is full, an automatic shutoff valve automatically turns off the drain flow. Recaptured water contains higher TDS but is safe for lawns and gardens.