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re: RO and DI water
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 21 Jan 97 18:20:41 -0800
From: John <jlob at wpa_net>
Organization: WPA
To: Aquatic-Plants at actwin_com
Subject: Re: Ro and DI Water
>George Booth wrote
> The warning came from a process engineer in an integrated circuit
> processing facility that used DI water to clean wafers. He remarked
> that since DI water is so pure, it has no mechanisms to prevent
> bacterial growth and, in essence, makes a nice breeding ground for
> some very nasty germs. People in the IC facility were warned about
> drinking DI water for this reason.
> George
Hi, I don't use either, but the same thing goes for RO water. It
shouldn't be left in a holding tank very long. In RO water there is no
chlorine present that would help stop bacteria from forming. I think many
people overlook this. Here is a post.
>The main problem with RO, as anyone who sells RO systems for DRINKING>WATER (POU) knows, is bacterial contamination. Chlorinated wa=
ter is not>bacteria-free. RO systems are notoroius for growing HEAVY loads of>bacteria, if not properly cared for. RO systems shou=
ld be flushed with>hydrogen peroxide or dilute bleach every 6 months or so. I "peroxide" my>RO every time I change the carbon and p=
refilters. I have to remove the>membrane and filter carts, add my H202, and fill the system. I use a>?pressure tank to hold the wa=
ter for drinking. I allow this tank to fill >up with "H2O2 water", then empty the tank, replace the membrane and >filter units. Pai=
n in the butt-but necessary for safe drinking water.
Keep in mind that some membranes need chlorine because they are
susceptible to bateria= CTA membranes. TFC membrances are more
resistant to bacteria, but can't have chlorine run through them or it will
destroy them. For them the source water is first run through a carbon
prefilter to eliminate the chlorine.
Bye,
John