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
- 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?
- What is your budget? (This will determine the technology). What is the cost of ownership over five years?
- 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?
- 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:
| ASTM Type I | 60% |
| ASTM Type II | 39% |
| ASTM Type III | 9% |
| Other | 9% |
Water purification system components used by survey respondents:
| Storage tank | 59% |
| UV sterilizer | 52% |
| Dispensing points | 49% |
| Water quality monitor | 44% |
| Polisher | 38% |
| Distiller | 22% |
| Water softener | 18% |
| Other | 4% |
Nearly 58% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new water purification system. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:
| Replacement of an aging system | 44% |
| Upgrading existing equipment | 19% |
| Addition to existing systems, increase capacity | 9% |
| First time purchase | 9% |
| Setting up a new lab | 8% |
| Other | 9% |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a water purification system:
| Durability of product | 86% |
| Performance of product | 85% |
| Ease of use | 84% |
| Low maintenance / easy to clean | 81% |
| Value for price paid | 74% |
| Availability of supplies and accessories | 69% |
| Low operating costs | 65% |
| Service and support | 64% |
| Total cost of ownership | 63% |
| Warranties | 56% |
For more information on water purification systems, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/water-purification
