Water Treatment Systems

By Staff -- Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, 9/1/2006

Types: Water treatment systems for commercial foodservice operations filter and/or soften water and come in configurations designed for beverage dispensers, ice machines, coffee brewers, warewashing machines, kitchen water sources and espresso machines. They are also available as both standard and optional features on various pieces of steam-using equipment.

Water treatment systems fall into three broad categories. Chemical-reduction filters remove microorganisms and chemicals from water, “softening” it for use in various applications. Since these systems use chemicals to treat water, they are typically rated by the amount of water they can filter. Mechanical filters remove harmful particulates from water, such as dirt and cysts. Multipurpose filters remove both chemicals and particulates.

Capacities/Footprints: Water filtering and softening units are available in capacities that range from small, single cartridges used for treating water flowing through an espresso machine to multi-cartridge systems that filter and/or soften all water entering large commercial facilities. Though water treatment systems are generally rated based on the amount of water they filter or particulates they remove, they are also classified by how much water they can filter in a given amount of time, typically one minute.

Standard Features: Filter cartridges are housed in plastic, ceramic or aluminum casings and attach either to a piece of equipment or an incoming water line. Though systems vary, they should be NSF-tested and -certified under two “Drinking Water Treatment Systems” standards: Standard 42-Aesthetic Effects, governing taste, odor, chlorine and particulate reduction; and Standard 53-Health Effects, governing turbidity, cyst and asbestos reduction.

Optional Features: Treatment systems are available with controls including mechanical, electronic, time clock or water flow control options. Pre-filter kits that attach to existing water treatment systems are available for locations where water contains excessive levels of contaminants. Pre-filter kits may include surge tanks that can hold up to 12 gals. of filtered water for use during periods of peak demand. LED signals remind operators to change filters.

New Features/Technology/Options: Manufacturers now offer water treatment systems infused with antimicrobial agents, which prevent bacteria from growing in the system. Manufacturers also now offer all-in-one filtration systems that house multiple treatment cartridges in a case.

Prime Functions: Water treatment systems utilize filters to break down and remove corrosive chemicals in water lines such as chloramines, chlorine and ammonia that can build up as scale and slime and damage equipment. They also remove health hazards found in water such as particulates, fibers such as asbestos, and Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts.

Key Kitchen Applications: Properly filtered water can extend the life and reduce the maintenance costs of expensive equipment such as combi ovens and steamers, ice machines and beverage dispensers. Better energy efficiency and fewer maintenance calls also translate into cost savings. Serving filtered water to customers and using filtered water for production of ice, beverages and menu items, can enhance flavors and eliminate bad tastes, odors and microbial growth.

Purchasing Guidelines: Poor quality water can adversely affect practically every menu item. Easy-to-use water testing kits help determine specific local water treatment needs. Local water agencies or utilities can also provide information on an area’s water quality.

Maintenance Requirements: Equipment such as steamers and ice machines should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before installing water filtering systems. Filtration cartridges in ice machines typically should be changed every month, and filters for most other types of equipment should be changed every six months, though filter life varies from location to location based on an operation’s water quality. Operators should know that one filtering function of multipurpose filters may be exhausted before another, requiring a replacement sooner than they may have expected. Filter cartridges should be stored in cool, dry, ventilated areas and properly disposed of in the trash.

Food Safety & Sanitation Essentials: New strains of microorganisms, frequent flooding, agricultural pesticides and industrial waste have all contributed to increased levels of water-borne contaminants in national water. Installing water filtration systems can mitigate this problem.