The need for clean water continues to increase with population growth and the development of residential areas. In many cases, people rely on two main sources: PDAM water and drilled well water. Both of these water sources often experience various quality issues, such as turbidity, yellowish discoloration, silt deposits, and fine particle contamination. To address these issues, silica sand has become one of the most widely used filtration media, both in households and industries.
Common Problems with PDAM and Drilled Well Water
PDAM water actually undergoes a standardized treatment process before being distributed to homes. However, various problems still frequently arise at the point of use. Water often becomes cloudy after a power outage, especially when water pressure changes suddenly. Sediment is also often seen at the bottom of the bathtub due to residual materials carried over from the distribution network. Furthermore, aging pipes can introduce additional contaminants that affect water clarity. Some customers even smell mud or a strong chlorine odor. It is not uncommon for water to appear yellowish due to the presence of iron residue. These various conditions have prompted many households to install additional filters to ensure better water quality.
Borehole water is located very close to the ground, making it at a much higher risk of various types of contamination. This condition causes several common problems with the water it produces. Iron levels are usually quite high, as is manganese, which can affect the color and taste of the water. Furthermore, cloudiness caused by sand and mud often occurs due to soil movement around the water source. Borehole water also often has a high level of hardness, which can cause scale on equipment. Users often experience an unpleasant earthy or rusty odor. The water can also turn yellowish-brown due to excessive mineral content. Due to these problems, borehole water almost always requires a more intensive filtration system to be suitable for daily use.
The Role of Silica Sand for PDAM Water
Silica sand offers many benefits when used to filter PDAM water, including:
PDAM water can become cloudy due to pipe repairs, leaks, or stagnation. Silica sand effectively captures these deposits.
- Clears Yellowish Discoloration
Residual manganese or iron carried from the distribution network can be reduced in particle size by silica sand.
- Eliminates Sludge Deposits
The sand layer can retain fine sludge before it enters the home's pipes.
- Reduces the Load on Subsequent Filters
When used with activated carbon or resin softener, silica sand acts as a pre-filter, protecting other media from becoming saturated quickly.
The Role of Silica Sand for Borehole Water
Groundwater is typically of poorer quality than PDAM water, so the use of silica sand is very helpful in several aspects:
Sludge and fine sand particles are easily retained by the silica sand layer.
When iron oxidizes, it turns into brown particles that can be filtered.
- Filters Organic Particles
Leaves, roots, or other organic material can be retained.
- Improves the Appearance and Odor of Water
Water that was previously cloudy and smells earthy will appear clearer after filtration.
- Increase the Effectiveness of Advanced Filtration Systems
The use of silica sand as a pre-filter allows manganese zeolite, activated carbon, and resin to work more optimally.
Signs That Silica Sand Needs Replacing
Silica sand generally lasts for 1 to 3 years, depending on water quality and frequency of use. However, there are several signs that indicate this media needs replacing. Water that remains cloudy even after washing the filter indicates the sand's filtering capacity is decreasing. Weakening water flow also indicates that the sand is becoming too dense and no longer working optimally. Furthermore, darkening of the sand indicates a buildup of dirt and contaminants. If many fine particles begin to pass through to the next filtration stage, it means the sand structure is no longer able to retain dirt effectively. Therefore, regular replacement is essential to maintain water clarity and maintain optimal filtration system performance.