Groundwater is a precious resource for many individuals and professionals. Whether it’s used to supply a home, protect a heat pump installation or water green spaces, the quality of this water must be preserved. Yet all too often, errors in the choice and installation of filtration systems compromise treatment efficiency and generate additional costs. Here are the main mistakes to avoid in order to optimize your filtration system.
Mistake No. 1: Neglecting water analysis
The first and most critical mistake is to install a filtration system without first analyzing the water quality. Every underground spring has its own specific characteristics, linked to local geology, operating conditions and possible contamination.
A complete analysis must cover several parameters: turbidity, suspended solids (sand, clay, silt), dissolved chemical elements, bacteria and water hardness. This analysis helps to correctly size the filtration system and avoid unpleasant surprises. For example, water with a high fine-particle content will require more extensive filtration than water containing only coarse sand.
It’s advisable to have this analysis carried out by an accredited laboratory, and to repeat it periodically, as water quality can change over time.
Mistake No. 2: Under-sizing the filtration system
Once the analysis has been carried out, the choice of filter needs to be adapted to actual requirements. Many systems are undersized, either in terms of flow rate or filtration finesse.
As far as flow rate is concerned, we need to take account not only of average consumption, but also of peak demand. A geothermal heat pump, for example, may require high flow rates during periods of peak demand. An undersized filter will create excessive pressure drops and reduce system performance.
When it comes to filter fineness, the opposite error is also common: choosing a filter that is too fine for your needs. A 5-micron filter will cost more to buy and maintain than a 100-micron filter, without providing any additional benefit if not required.
Mistake no. 3: Opting for solutions unsuited to your needs
The market offers different types of filter: disposable cartridges, backwash filters, automatic systems. Each technology has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the application.
Cartridge filters are economical to buy, but quickly become costly if the water is heavily loaded with suspended solids. Frequent cartridge replacement generates not only consumable costs, but also a significant maintenance burden. For heavily contaminated water, this solution can quickly become inadequate.
Conversely, automatic borehole systems represent a higher initial investment, but eliminate the need to monitor and replace consumables. These filters, equipped with self-cleaning metal screens, are particularly suitable for installations requiring continuous availability or for sites that are difficult to access.
Mistake 4: Neglecting preventive maintenance
Whatever type of filter you choose, maintenance is essential. The most common mistake is to install the system and then forget about it until a malfunction occurs.
For cartridge filters, you need to monitor clogging regularly and schedule replacements. A clogging indicator (differential pressure gauge) can be used to visualize the condition of the filter and anticipate the need for servicing.
Automatic systems also require monitoring, albeit on a reduced scale. Checking that automatic systems are working properly, checking for leaks and periodically cleaning sensors will ensure the longevity of your system.
Mistake n°5: Ignoring changes in water quality
Groundwater quality is not fixed in time. Weather conditions, changes in the environment near the catchment or changes in the water table can affect the characteristics of the water.
Climate change makes this problem particularly acute. Periods of drought concentrate pollution, while intense rainfall can lead to soil leaching and increased water turbidity. The filtration system must therefore be periodically adapted to these changes.
Regular monitoring of water quality and filtration system performance enables you to anticipate any necessary adaptations and avoid malfunctions.
Mistake n°6: Neglecting regulatory compliance
Water installations intended for human consumption are subject to strict regulatory requirements. Materials in contact with the water must have an Attestation de Conformité Sanitaire (ACS), and filtration performance must comply with current standards.
This regulatory constraint must not be overlooked right from the design stage. Choosing non-compliant equipment can lead to formal notices being served and the need to replace the entire system.
Mistake no. 7: Neglecting frost protection
In regions subject to frost, winter protection of filtration systems is crucial. A filter that freezes can suffer irreversible damage, requiring complete replacement.
Winter draining, pipe insulation or the installation of a heating system must be planned from the outset. This precaution, often overlooked, avoids costly repairs.
Recommendations for optimizing your installation
To avoid these pitfalls, there are a few simple principles to follow. Always start with a complete analysis of your water to identify exactly which contaminants need to be eliminated. Size your system to take peak flow rates into account, and choose the technology best suited to your application.
For low-maintenance applications, opt for automatic solutions which, despite a higher initial cost, prove economical in the long term. These systems, like those developed by French automatic filtration specialists, offer excellent reliability and eliminate the need for monitoring.
Don’t forget to monitor your installation regularly, and adapt your system to changes in water quality. Last but not least, make sure your system complies with all relevant regulations, especially if the water is destined for human consumption.
Conclusion
Well or borehole water filtration can’t be improvised. The mistakes described in this article can compromise treatment efficiency, generate significant additional costs and create operating constraints. A methodical approach, based on prior analysis of the water and reasoned choice of equipment, guarantees the success of your project.
The initial investment in an appropriate, high-quality solution always pays off in the medium term, both in terms of reduced operating costs and system reliability. Don’t hesitate to call in the specialists to size your system and avoid costly mistakes.
