Water is the most commonly used laboratory reagent; however, the importance of water quality is often overlooked. Because impurities can be a critical factor in many research experiments, water purity ranks high in importance. There are several types of impurities and contaminants in water such as particulates, organics, inorganics, microorganisms and pyrogens that can adversely affect results.

Top 4 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Water Purification System

1. What do you need the water for? What is your application and what type of water is needed? What is the source of your current water? How much water is required per batch/day? Are there special requirements for delivery?
2. What is your budget? (This will determine the technology). What is the cost of ownership over five years?
3. Where do you need the system in the lab(s)? Consider: top of counter, under counter, or wall mounting the unit. What is the overall footprint/real estate of the system(s) and components?
4. What kind of warranty and service is provided? Is the system manufactured to quality standards and which ones? Is this a pharmaceutical application that needs to be validated?

ASTM standard water purity used by survey respondents:

Water purification system components used by survey respondents:

Nearly 50% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new water purification system. The greatest challenges faced in the process include:

	Replacement of an existing system	33%
	Upgrading existing equipment	24%
	Addition to existing systems, increase capacity	13%
	Setting up a new lab	9%
	First time purchase	3%
	Other	18%

Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing an water purification system:

For more information on water purification systems, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/water-purification

See the latest survey results here