Most buildings rely on water in some capacity, and water can be one of the most challenging areas to tackle when it comes to the safety of your building and the longevity of its systems. However, new construction that is still underway or just being finished is especially susceptible to problems with the water system, and it is important that you work with the professionals to tackle any latent problems before you open and begin operation for the first time. If you do not adequately approach water treatment in new construction, you could end up battling water quality issues long after the work is complete.
Why New Construction Is Particularly Vulnerable
Most buildings must receive numerous adjustments to their water, such as chemical treatment and filtration, in order to make the water safe. However, new construction is particularly vulnerable, and this occurs for a number of reasons. First of all, any newly constructed building or facility will have its own unique challenges and risks based on how it is set up and what it uses water for. These issues can only be fully apprehended once all of the work is done, which means that there is often a brief time period in which new water treatment strategies are still being implemented and tested.
However, one of the main reasons that water treatment is critical in new construction is because new facilities are directly exposed to outside contaminants. When pipes and the water system itself are being constructed, the open ends of the pipe are exposed to air, debris, detritus and bacteria before the system is closed off.
Water Treatment In Construction
This means that external unwanted elements can enter into the system before it even operates for the first time. However, knowing this, you can develop a water treatment strategy that will tackle these undesired pollutants as quickly as possible after construction is completed.
Tackle Tangible Infiltrators
Water treatment in new construction often involves some level of filtration to capture outside elements that made their way into the water system when it was first built. This can include dust, dirt particles and other debris. Depending on your building, its usage and how big it is or how much water it handles at any one time, you may benefit from bag filtration, ionized filtration or other options. In order to make an informed decision, you will need to understand what types of suspended solids exist within your water so that you can choose the filter that is the appropriate size (in microns) to capture those particles.
Remove Bacterial Presence
Bacteria from the outside world will enter into your pipes before the water system is closed in new construction—there is no doubt about that. However, you can avoid giving them a safe haven to proliferate by tackling water treatment as soon as you turn the water on in your building.
While Legionella may be one of the most pressing concerns, do not neglect water treatment strategies that also encompass some of the most common bacterial agents, such as pseudomonas, E. coli and salmonella. Removing bacteria not only keeps people in and around the building safe but also increases the longevity of your brand new systems so that you will not have to pay for premature repairs and replacements.
Alter Composition For The Long Term
Sometimes, the water itself can pose a problem for your new construction. Water that has a pH that is too acidic can corrode your pipes and equipment, and if you live in an area with a high concentration of minerals like magnesium in the water, you could be facing scaling and buildup much sooner than you anticipate.
Not only does this reduce the efficiency of your water system, but it can also offer a safe haven for bacteria, even if you are treating your water. The good news is that a water treatment professional can give you options for altering the composition of your water so that it is safe and does not harm your equipment.
Trust The Water Treatment Experts To Make Your New Construction Safe
If you are looking forward to the completion of your new construction, do not forget to think about your water treatment options before you open up. New construction can be vulnerable early on due to the pipes’ exposure to the outside world, and failing to directly face issues at the start can lead to problems later on. The experts at Tower Water set the standard in water treatment and would be happy to help you understand your options and needs for water treatment in your new facility. Reach out to schedule an appointment to discuss your plans.
