Water Filtration & Purification

Oakville Pump Service works closely with our residential, commercial & agricultural customers to ensure that their water meets their specific water quality requirements. If you have a water quality problem, the first requirement is to take a water sample and determine the exact contaminates, contaminate levels and water chemistry that is contributing to the problem. This initial water testing phase is vital because it provides the empirical information to design the proper water treatment solution for your application. This information also gives you the ability to compare the water quality before and after water filtration. If you have water that doesn't meet your need for purity, aesthetics or potability, contact OPS and ask to speak with our water treatment and filtration specialist!

Types of Water Filtration & Purification

Water Filtration involves the mechanical removal/trapping of particulate matter in the water. The term “filtration” can also be used to describe chemical processes of absorbing/adsorbing, removing or exchanging components dissolved in water that cannot be removed with a mechanical type filter. Below are several filtration technologies OPS applies successfully on a regular basis to help improve the water quality for our customers in the Napa Valley.

Disinfection involves using technologies and methods that remove, destroy or deactivate pathogenic organisms that may be present in water. Ozone or UltraViolet are both great disinfection technologies for water containing pathogenic organisms. Ozone and UV are preferred treatment methodologies since these technologies do not cause taste or odor problems sometimes associated with chlorine. Some regulated water systems are required to have a trace amount of chlorine maintained in the water supply. Chlorine is also used to oxidize minerals such as iron so that they can then be successfully removed using the appropriate media filter. OPS has worked extensively with chlorine injection and monitoring systems to ensure levels are minimal, stable and compliant with regulatory requirements.

pH modification is frequently needed when water is acidic and is dissolving piping from the inside out! One of the most common indicators of this problem is green/red staining on fixtures from the copper/iron in the pipes being dissolved. Calcite/Corsex filters, air stripping and sodium hydroxide injection are all methods OPS has successfully employed. The pH, water temperature, hardness, TDS and flow rates required determine the type(s) of technology implemented to achieve the desired result for pH correction. 

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) is one filtration technology very effective at removing heavy metals & contaminates that cause taste and odor issues as well as unsavory chemicals that can be found in some water supplies. OPS has worked to help many wineries to remove all chlorine from their city water supply to ensure an optimal winemaking environment. 

Many wells in our region contain levels of Iron & Manganese that stain fixtures, plug up faucets and cause the water to taste metallic. OPS offers several solutions that will remove iron and manganese that include manganese greensand filters and water softeners.

Hydrogen Sulfide is another common contaminate in our area that causes a rotten egg odor. Hydrogen sulfide is effectively removed with chlorination and air stripping processes and is frequently removed in conjunction with iron and manganese. Hydrogen sulfide is not  easily removed with a simple strap on filter, adding chemicals or magic polymers.  Contact our staff and ask about the OPS Trio system designed to remove iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide & correct pH without the use of harsh chemicals!

Several areas in the Napa Valley have high levels of Arsenic in the well water. The arsenic must be removed or the level reduced to ensure the water is safe for the potential consumers. It is also important to consider where/how the removed arsenic will be disposed to ensure compliance with regulations and ensure this dangerous waste product is not harmful in the future. OPS has a record of arsenic removal filtration on small and large scales using technologies that are both approved and proven. 

Some of our customers require ultra-pure water or have water with contaminates that can only be removed with Reverse Osmosis technology. OPS has installed many whole-house and commercial Reverse Osmosis systems that provide the ultimate in pure water. If you want to ensure that your family has high quality drinking water that has almost 100% of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals and other contaminates removed at a fraction of the cost of a whole house reverse osmosis system, install an Undersink Reverse Osmosis Systems. While many of the systems can be installed by a homeowner with basic skills, you may want to consult with plumber if you aren’t feeling handy!

Water softening is a process that can be used to produce "soft" water, or water that doesn't spot or require as much soap for washing/cleaning purposes. OPS offers water softening solutions for wells with high amounts of hardness. Water softening mostly about the aesthetics of the water ensuring that it doesn’t leave mineral laden water spots on fixtures. Water softening does not typically make your water taste better or result in your water being “safer” to drink.

Cartridge filters are a solution when relatively low volumes of water need to be treated. OPS stocks a full range of GAC, Softening, pH correction and Particulate cartridge filters and housings. Cartridge filters, in general, offer an inexpensive option to treat a limited quantity of water. OPS stocks a full selection of quality water filter cartridges!

For questions about your water quality or the filtration/treatment options for your water, please contact us and ask for our water treatment specialist or peruse our Water Quality Blogs .