Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Your JavaScript is turned off limiting this website’s functionality Cto Carbon Water Filtration Cartridge Equipment
The Water Supply Restoration Funding Program (Program) has a state-wide contracted plumber to install and maintain water filtration systems to private potable water wells at no cost to the property owners. The Program attempts to have these filtration system serviced based on on-going contamination. They are the property of the Department of Environmental Protection. There are three basic types of water filtration systems that are used - point of entry or granulated activated carbon, point of use or reverse osmosis or ion exchange filters.
These are installed when there are potential health risks associated with ingestion (drinking), dermal contact (washing hands) or inhalation (breathing the fumes coming from the water). Examples of these substances include pesticides, petroleum compounds, and solvents.
Performance data for carbon filters indicates that these filters perform extremely well for the removal of volatile organic compounds found in groundwater. The configuration of each installation is determined by the removal efficiency for that particular contaminant and the expected flow demand.
Because carbon is so effective at removing EDB, the most common filter system used for this contaminant consists of a five micron pre-filter, a flow meter, a single 54-inch tall by 10-inch diameter GAC tank, and an ultra-violet light for disinfection. This system has a capacity of 6 gallons per minute (gpm) and is sufficient for the average home. The filter media for all systems installed for EDB is exchanged (routine maintenance) annually.
GAC filters are very successful in removing solvents or petroleum products but filtering out Vinyl Chloride (VC) or Methyl-Tert-Butyl-Ether (MTBE) is more of a challenge. Filters on wells with VC are exchanged every six months and filters on wells with MTBE continue to be sampled quarterly and exchanged after a "break-through" at the mid-point.
POU filters are installed when the potential health risks are associated with ingesting (drinking) the water. Generally, in-organic substances such as Nitrate, Arsenic or Lead). RO filters are usually installed under the kitchen sink and are exchanged annually.
Where Nitrate standards are above the mcl at a Public Water System (PWS), a POE filter must be installed. For these systems, an Ion Exchange Filter, containing a nitrate removal resin, is installed which is similar in appearance to the carbon filters, although the process is quite different. The filter is regenerated with a brine solution to ensure the resin is performing satisfactorily.
Interested in subscribing to DEP newsletters or receiving DEP updates through email?
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.
Some content on this site is saved in an alternative format. The following icons link to free Reader/Viewer software: PDF: | Word: | Excel:
The content on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) website was written and published in English, and English is the sole authoritative language for all such content. As an aid to site visitors who might benefit from multiple language options, the website offers an automated translation feature for browser content in the footer. The translation link will not convert attached or linked files, such as PDFs.
The website translation feature uses Gtranslate® (https://www.drupal.org/project/gtranslate). Gtranslate® is a third-party tool which is not owned, maintained, modified, or controlled in any way by DEP, and which is not endorsed by DEP as preferable to either human-generated translations, or any other automated translation options.
Cto Carbon Block Translation is a nuanced and complex activity and computer-generated translations cannot be expected to be perfectly accurate. Automated translations of this site are not reviewed in advance by DEP and could convey incorrect or offensive language. DEP disclaims any liability for errors, omissions, or interpretive inconsistencies arising in the context of such translation. Site users assume all risk in using translated text. DEP is not responsible for any loss, damage, or harm resulting from reliance on translated text. Use of the translation tool in this website implies understanding and agreement with this assumption and disclaimer.