The difference between an office water dispenser and a water house: purification and filtration

Water is a fundamental resource for daily life, and the quality of the water we consume is crucial for our health, whether it is domestic water, an office water dispenser or a Water House. Water dispensers, both in offices and Water Houses, offer practical solutions for access to drinking water. However, there are significant differences between the purification and filtration systems used in these contexts.

DKR operates in both areas, guaranteeing high quality, safety and reliability. In this article, we will explore the differences between purification, filtration for technical use and domestic microfiltrationand how these technologies are applied in office water dispensers and public water dispensers.

Differences between purification, filtration for technical use and microfiltration for office and home water dispensers

Water purification

La purification is a complex process that removes contaminants from water, making it safe for human consumption. This process takes place in aqueduct plants, where water from various sources, such as springs, springs and wells, is treated according to local availability before being fed into the distribution network. 

The reference legislation is the Legislative Decree 18/23which implements the European Parliament Directive (EU) 2020/2184 on the quality of water intended for human consumption. This legislation introduced many new control parameters to monitor chemical contaminants, such as PFAS, and metals, which, although rarely present in water, must be sought at source. 

The purification process includes several steps:

• Coagulation: At this stage, coagulating agents are added to aggregate the particles suspended in the water, forming flocculi.
• Sedimentation: The floccules settle at the bottom of the tank, allowing clean water to be separated.
• Filtration: Materials such as sand and activated carbon are used to remove further impurities.
• Disinfection: Often carried out with chlorine or UV light, this phase eliminates any remaining pathogens.

Purification is governed by strict regulations, which vary from country to country, to ensure that drinking water is free of bacteria, viruses and harmful chemicals.

Technical water filtration

La filtration for technical use refers to processes used in industrial and commercial settings. These systems, such as sand filters, activated carbon filters and membrane filters, remove particles and chemical contaminants, but do not always guarantee potability of the water. Filtered water for technical use is often used for industrial applications, such as machine cooling, steam production or as process water in various sectors. Even thedomestic softening is a form of technical filtration: softened water is excellent for technical use in the home, as it prevents the build-up of limescale on the coils of washing machines, boilers and dishwashers, improving the performance of these systems and ensuring energy savings and a longer system life. 

However, softened water, obtained by replacing calcium ions with sodium ions to prevent the formation of limescale, is not suitable for human consumption, because the changes made by replacing the calcium salts do not make it suitable for food consumption

Concerning the filters, those sand are used to remove suspended solids and larger particles, while the activated carbon filters are effective in removing chemicals and odours. I membrane filters, such as those used in reverse osmosis, can also remove salts and minerals, but require more careful maintenance and constant monitoring of water quality.

Domestic and office microfiltration

In an office or domestic water dispenser, point-of-use filtration uses microfiltration. This technique uses filters with holes very small, down to 0.1 micronsto remove suspended particles invisible to the human eye, which accumulate along the water path in the pipes. In addition to microfiltration, the system includes a cartridge with activated charcoal, which eliminates odours and tastes released by common agents in drinking water, such as chlorine, which is essential to prevent bacterial growth. Finally, a UV lamp completes the processensuring an active antibacterial spectrum before the water is dispensed, thus improving its organoleptic quality without altering the mineral salt content.

Organoleptic improvement of water

Thanks to this microfiltration system, the water does not undergo any changes in its mineral salt content, as is the case with reverse osmosis filtration or softening. Instead, it is exclusively improved from an organoleptic point of view, eliminating unpleasant odours and tastes that might be present. Modern dispensers, such as those proposed by DKRThey use this technology to ensure maximum safety, delivering natural and cold water, and in some cases even sparkling water, that is always pleasing to the palate. This link between the filtration technology and the end result ensures that the water delivered is not only safe, but also pleasant to drink.

Dispensing in Water Houses

Le Water Houses are public water supply points designed to provide high quality drinking water at a low cost. The water comes directly from aqueducts, which operate independently of municipalities. These systems use advanced filtration technologiessuch as microfiltration and the use of UV lamps, to ensure safety and purity, effectively controlling bacterial proliferation.

Users can then fill bottles or containers, helping to reduce the use of single-use plastic and promoting environmental sustainability.

Water: DKR products for a sustainable future

DKR is not just a company that produces water dispensing systems, but a active partner in the global mission to preserve and enhance this vital resource. Our participation in initiatives such as "Do the Right Thing, a major national event dedicated to critical consumption and sustainable lifestyles, testifies to our concrete commitment to environmental innovation.

Choosing the right water delivery system, whether for office water dispensers or water houses, means understanding the differences between purification, technical filtration and microfiltration. It is a fundamental process to ensure safe and sustainable access to this essential resource.

In a world that is increasingly aware of environmental quality, DKR is a benchmark for solutions that combine technological efficiency and ecological responsibility. Our systems not only improve the quality of the water consumed, but also actively contribute to the reducing plastic waste and raising awareness of conscious consumption practices.

Through continuous research towards further innovation, our company confirms its leading role in the transition towards a greener and more responsible future.

To explore our innovative solutions, we invite you to contact us to find out how we can improve your water consumption experience.