Filters can be a good place for bacteria to grow because there is plenty of water present, filters are dark and warm, and bacteria can feed on the organics present. While most of these bacteria do not pose a health hazard, they can cause problems for drinking water and filters:
- Bacteria released into filtered water can affect taste, odor and appearance.
- Downstream biofilm buildup and fouling can decrease a filter’s effectiveness by reducing absorption and causing premature clogging, thus shortening the life of the filter.
As bacteria reproduce and accumulate within a filter, they create what is called biofilm. Biofilm is a slime growth that accumulates on the filter membrane. The addition of a bacteriostat creates an environment where bacteria cannot grow. A bacteriostat is a compound of naturally-occurring silver bonded to a ceramic material that is completely inert. Bacteriostats are safe and proven:
- Based on naturally-occurring silver.
- Confirmed effective on many types of bacteria, yeast, fungi and mold.
- Harmless to humans. Less toxic than table salt.
- Offer broad regulatory approvals: NSF, EPA, FDA, Europe Biocidal Products Directive 98/88/EC, and the European Food Safety Agency.
Through a controlled release of low levels of silver, the bacteriostat's silver ions attack multiple targets in the microbe to prevent it from growing to a destructive population. This tri-modal action fights cell growth in three ways:
- Prevents respiration by inhibiting transport functions in the cell wall.
- Inhibits cell division (reproduction).
- Disrupts cell metabolism.
Pentair Everpure Micro-Pure® II media plus bacteriostat set a new standard for water quality and addresses a growing public concern:
- Reduces chlorine, particulates, asbestos fibers and cysts* in water.
- Safe and effective antimicrobial protection for enhanced filtration – biofilm can’t grow and won’t coat the absorptive surface which would inhibit its performance.
- Enhanced filter performance – greater available surface for the filter to use during its lifetime, and promotes a longer useful life.
Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for Cyst Reduction*, Asbestos Reduction, and Turbidity Reduction.
Certified to NSF Standard 42 – Mechanical: Particulate Reduction, Class I; Taste & Odor Reduction, and Taste & Odor Reduction.
See individual system specification sheets for performance claims and FIFRA registration information.
*By mechanical means.