UV filtration system - Questions?

kormak

Hi Folks,

question for the experts regarding UV filtration lights.
I've had an independent water test done on my domestic drinking water (private well). Note this is a deep borewell.
The main concern with it is the high level of e-coli & coliforms in the water. (count = 335)
The other thing to note was water hardness, however @ 185 I'm told it's not exactly that high + we don't notice too much problems with limescale in the shower heads / kettle, etc...

So I've decided to just install a UV filtration system with sediment filter.
I've spoke to 2 guys with one more to speak to.
The first guy has quoted me €390 for everything which includes a 10" sediment filter. I didn't get the make/model of the UV filter although he says the replacement bulbs are €55 each.
The second guy has quoted me €680 for everything which is a Gel23 unit. Bulb replacement = €90.
He maintains that the high level of coliforms will require something more solid such as this model.
This seems expensive and costly to maintain, €90 every 12 months??

Can anyone offer me a steer on what I should go for here and what I should expect to pay?
Obviously I don't wanna cut corners with this but at the same time, don't wish to be dupped on the price.

mods, apologies if this is in the wrong section.

paddy147

The UV bulbs do coat around 50 euro (depending on size of UV system) and do need to be replaced every 12 months.:)

dathi

Hi,

With regard to your coliform issue, prior to paying for UV filters, you could try disinfecting the well. This involves adding bleach (non-surfactant,like parazone blue bottle) to the well. leave to stand for 24 hours then run all cold water taps until you can't smell bleach anymore. Test again after about 5 to 7 days. If there are still coliforms present there is ongoing contamination and a UV filter is required. You can get the procedure for disinfection from the local county council environment section or the local HSE community care office.

The water is moderately hard and is more beneficial from a health aspect. Do not be persuaded to install a water softner or if you do want to install one ensure you have a separate unsoftened line for drinking water.

kormak

dathi wrote: »

Hi,

With regard to your coliform issue, prior to paying for UV filters, you could try disinfecting the well. This involves adding bleach (non-surfactant,like parazone blue bottle) to the well. leave to stand for 24 hours then run all cold water taps until you can't smell bleach anymore. Test again after about 5 to 7 days. If there are still coliforms present there is ongoing contamination and a UV filter is required. You can get the procedure for disinfection from the local county council environment section or the local HSE community care office.

The water is moderately hard and is more beneficial from a health aspect. Do not be persuaded to install a water softner or if you do want to install one ensure you have a separate unsoftened line for drinking water.

Thanks, I have tried chlorinating the water a while back and have since got a test result with an even higher coliform reading.
So to be on the safe side, I'm gonna go the UV route.
My main concern though is the ability to keep the water bacteria free... do I need to spend more money a "bigger better" model or will the standard €399 be more than sufficient.
Once installed, I intend getting the HSE to retest again straight away.

DGOBS

Just before you do, did you renew/refit the lid on the well and ensured it is water tight (as surface contaminated water could be your source)

Some mentioned using domestos, milton fluid is seemingly what is recommended