WECO AAL-0948 Backwashing Whole House Water Filter for Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction

Description

The WECO Backwashing filter with granular activated alumina is a Point-Of-Entry (POE) fluoride and arsenic removal system for municipal and well water supplies. Activated alumina (aluminum oxide) is highly specialized filter media designed for efficient, selective removal of fluoride and arsenic. Our activated alumina is pre-treated to acidify and lower the internal pH of the media. High pH greatly reduces the ability of activated alumina to remove fluoride and arsenic. The acid pre-treatment gives the media a strong affinity for these substances.

Activated alumina’s adsorption capacity is reduced by high pH (above 8.2) feedwater and a bicarbonate alkalinity above 50 ppm. In such cases, we recommend pre-treating the feed water with a salt regenerated strong base anion (SBA) resin (a dealkalizer). This will reduce both the pH and the alkalinity for dramatically improved performance. In addition, SBA resin has a modest capacity to reduce the arsenic and fluoride levels of the feed water, prolonging the capacity and life of the alumina polisher. WECO technical Support can assist with selecting the proper pre-treatment backwashing filter to complement the activated alumina filter. Pressure drop remains low and backwashing requirements are minimized. This reduces water use and prevents fluoride and arsenic-laden fine discharge into the sewer. WECO backwashing filters are available in a variety of sizes. Please consult with WECO Technical Support for assistance in selecting the proper size filter to meet your water purification requirements.

Fluoride can occur in drinking water naturally as a result of the geological composition of soils and bedrock. Some areas of the country have high levels of naturally occurring fluoride which can dissolve easily into ground water as it moves through gaps and pore spaces between rocks. Fluoride can also be added to public drinking water supplies as a public health measure for reducing cavities among the treated population. US EPA data indicate that fluoride exposure levels among the population have increased in the last 40 to 50 years resulting in an increase in some effects on teeth. Based on the data presented in this report, it is likely that some children are exposed to too much fluoride at least occasionally. Adults exposed to excessive fluoride over a lifetime may have increased likelihood of bone fractures, and may also experience pain and tenderness. Children are most likely to be affected by excessive exposure to fluoride because it impacts teeth while they are still in formative phases. Children aged 8 years and younger exposed to high amounts of fluoride have an increased chance of developing pits in the tooth enamel, along with a range of cosmetic effects to their teeth.

Controller features include:

Offering versatility, the WECO backwashing filter can be utilized independently or in conjunction with other filtration processes. Its adaptability is further enhanced by its availability in various sizes, accommodating different backwash flow rates inherent in plumbing infrastructure. For expert guidance on sizing and configuring filtration systems, customers are encouraged to reach out to WECO Technical Support.