Bacteria Removal

The most effective methods are: UV disinfection (destroys DNA of bacteria and viruses at 254 nm wavelength), ultrafiltration (UF) membranes (physical removal to 0.01-0.1 micron), reverse osmosis (removes 99.9%+ of bacteria along with all other contaminants), and chemical disinfection with chlorine or ozone. AMPAC recommends UV or UF as the primary disinfection barrier paired with pre-filtration.

Yes. RO membranes have pore sizes of approximately 0.0001 microns, far smaller than any bacteria (1-10 microns) or virus (0.02-0.3 microns). A properly functioning RO system physically removes essentially all microbiological contaminants. AMPAC systems pair RO with UV disinfection for an additional safeguard against any bypass or membrane defects.

UV disinfection uses ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms without adding chemicals, leaving no taste or odor residual and no disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Chemical treatment with chlorine is effective but produces DBPs such as trihalomethanes and requires contact time. UV is preferred for point-of-use treatment where no residual disinfectant is needed downstream.

In theory, bacteria can colonize any moist environment including RO storage tanks, especially if the system sits unused for extended periods. AMPAC recommends adding a post-RO UV lamp or inline silver-impregnated carbon block to prevent recontamination. Annual sanitization of the tank and delivery lines is standard practice.

Common concerns in well water include coliform bacteria (an indicator of fecal contamination), E. coli, iron bacteria, sulfur bacteria, and Legionella in some geographic areas. AMPAC well water treatment packages include shock chlorination followed by a multi-stage RO and UV system sized to your well output and bacterial load.