Water is one of the most important resources for any commercial kitchen. It’s used in practically every aspect of the foodservice industry, including food preparation, ware washing, beverage service, and cooking. Normal tap water contains some suspended and dissolved solids, such as chlorine, bacteria, sediment, chemicals, and other harmful elements. These solids can cause water to look cloudy, smell odd, or taste funny, all of which can impact your cooking. Luckily, a water filter can help.
Water filters are the least expensive and easiest treatment options to implement and maintain. Most importantly, they are effective—water filters offer the last line of defense between the body and the more than 2,100 known toxins that may be present in tap water! So, what is the best water commercial filtration system for industrial use? Read on to find out.
What are the Three Main Types of Filtration Systems?
- UV Light
UV filters utilize ultraviolet radiation to destroy bacteria that can harm patrons. We recommend using this filtration system in tandem with a carbon filter to remove both the solid contaminants and the microorganisms. - Carbon Filters
Carbon filters are responsible for removing larger particles from water before it’s used. These water filters work by attracting and absorbing particles such as lead, pesticides and herbicides, sediment, silt, PCBs, some levels of bacteria, and bits of pharmaceuticals. - Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis filter systems are increasingly popular because they can remove contaminants while producing clear, odor-free water. The system uses pressure to force water molecules through a semipermeable membrane.
Which Water Filter Removes the Most Contaminants?
Here are the three most important factors to keep in mind when determining which water filter will remove the most contaminants.
- Capacity: The capacity (in gallons) is the amount of water that can be filtered through the cartridge while staying effective. This will determine how often the filter needs to be changed so that water remains clean and fresh.
- Flow Rate: The flow rate indicates the number of gallons per minute that can flow through the filter.
- Micron rating: The micron rating designates the ability of the filter to rid water of contaminants by the size of the particles. So, a filter with a rating of “3 microns” can filter out particles as small as 3 microns. Most filters in the foodservice industry are rated from 0.2 to 1 micron, though there are some filters outside of that range. See the chart below from Clean Water Source for particle sizes:
| Particle | Particle Size (Microns) |
| Beach sand | 100 - 2,000 |
| Human hair | 70 |
| Household dust | 40 |
| White blood cells | 25 |
| Bacteria | 3 |
| Lead dust | 2 |
| Spider web | 2 - 3 |
| 90% of all oil contaminants | 0.5 - 2 |
| Viruses | 0.005 - 0.3 |
| Oxygen | 0.0005 |
Aqualeader offers the following infographic to show the relative size of a micron compared to items such as beach sand, human hair or a coffee grind to understand just how small a micron is:
What Types of Restaurant Equipment Need a Water Filter?
- Ice Machines
Without a water filter in your ice machine, you risk the following:
- Scale buildup on evaporator plates can increase maintenance costs
- Excess sediment particles might clog distribution tubes and solenoid valves
- Excess chlorine residual can cause chlorine smell and corrosion in ice bins
- Sediment and abrasive hard particles may wear down and shorten the life of pumps, valves, O-rings, and seals
Benefits of buying a water filter for your ice machine: - Great tasting ice for your drinks
- Higher ice production
- Lower energy costs
- Less surprise maintenance
- Extends the life of the equipment
- Coffee Makers
Without a water filter in your coffee maker, you risk the following:
- Scale buildup on sensors and heating coils can increase maintenance costs
- Excess sediment might clog the spray head in the brew basket
- Excess chlorine and organic residue can cause bitter-tasting beverages
Benefits of buying a water filter for your coffee maker: - Great-tasting coffee for customers
- Consistent, high-quality beverages
- Lower energy costs
- Steamers and Combi Ovens
Without a water filter in your steamer oven, you risk the following:
- Increased chlorine-induced corrosion
- Limescale formation in high-temperature steam applications
- Lower energy efficiency
- Decreased performance due to dirt and rust build-up
Benefits of buying a water filter for your combi oven or steamer: - Prevents calcification on heating elements
- Purer steam yields fresher and safer products
Final Thoughts and Related Resources
A water filtration system can mean the difference between dirty, contaminated water and delicious, crisp water that keeps customers coming back. Be sure to check your product’s manual for recommended filtration parts and scheduled maintenance. Protect customers and prolong the life of your equipment with the simple addition of a water filtration system!
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