Dubai has witnessed exponential economic growth over the last three decades. This economic development has resulted in increased water demand. According to the State of Energy Report 2015, the demand for water grew largely at a rate of 35.8 percent from 2008 to 2012. The city of Dubai gets its drinking water from two main sources– desalination plants and groundwater wells.
Although the water quality leaving the plant is good and as per the drinking water standards, there are several factors resulting in bacteriological contamination of tap water. The concentration of disinfectants such as chlorine tends to reduce in the distribution system. Inadequate concentration of disinfectants can elevate biofilm or microbial production. Our piping network for water distribution systems in Dubai is mainly composed of plastic or PVC/PE (Polyvinylchloride, Polyethylene).
Several studies have concluded that plastic pipes can enhance the concentration of biofilm production and thus facilitate the growth of bacteria. Another factor contributing to bacterial growth is high temperatures that are prevalent in Dubai. Temperatures between 35°C and 46°C are ideal for some bacterial growth. Temperatures in Dubai have risen to as high as 50 °C in 2019. Rust (iron), scale, unclean water tanks, and other microorganisms can also promote bacteria growth.
HEALTH IMPACTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF WATERBORNE PATHOGENS.
1. Cryptosporidium
It is a type of microscopic parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. The parasite is covered by a protective outer shell that makes it resistant to chlorine disinfection. The most common mode of transmission is through drinking water and recreational water use.
2. Legionella
It is a pathogenic group of bacteria that cause a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) called Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria can also cause a less severe type of illness called Pontiac fever. The most common mode of transmission of Legionella bacteria is through inhalation of Legionella-infested air or water mist from cooling towers or evaporative condensers, evaporative coolers (swamp coolers), humidifiers, misters, showers, faucets, whirlpool baths, and hot tubs can become contaminated with Legionella bacteria. If the contaminated water mist is inhaled or swallowed, it can cause the disease.
3. E. coli
Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are a group of bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. E. coli can cause several health issues such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
HOME WATER FILTER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE REMOVAL OF PATHOGENS
As discussed above, bacteriological contamination of drinking water can cause acute illnesses amongst humans. There are several treatment technologies available to remove these harmful bacteria. Point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) home filtration systems use these treatment techniques to help eliminate bacteriological contamination and thus make drinking water even clean and safer for use.
1. Reverse Osmosis
the most effective treatment for bacterial removal is reverse osmosis systems. It is a process that involves water under high pressure passing through a semipermeable membrane to remove impurities from water. The tiny pore size of RO membranes facilitates in removal of pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Legionella, etc.
2. Distillation Systems
Water distillers are the most common means of water purification. It is the process of boiling water and then collecting vapors as it condenses removing the contaminants.
3. Ultraviolet Treatment Systems
UV light kills bacteria, viruses, and some cysts. UV treatment is available in POU and POE systems. The primary advantage of UV treatment is that it disinfects water without the use of chemicals.
4. Filtration Systems
Ultrafiltration and Nanofiltration methods have been proven effective to remove bacteria from drinking water. These are physical processes that occur when liquid/gaseous/solids suspended matter adhere to the surface of or in the pores of an adherent medium.
To help customers understand what type of home water filtration system is suitable for their home, ![\"\"](\"https://saniwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/saniwater-logo-for-blog-sm-2.png\"){kind=logo}
has a broad range of filters available. The team can help you choose suitable water filters for bacterial removal, be it POU filters using distillation, Ultrafiltration, Nanofiltration or POE filters implementing reverse osmosis process depending upon the water quality at you need. Our high-quality technicians will help with the installation of the recommended filter products. is dedicated to providing the best solutions to meet the drinking water requirements of our customers.
