When managing a bar or restaurant, one of the most critical elements is water, comprising 98% of daily operations. Despite its significance, many restaurant owners often overlook this preparatory stage.
It’s universally recognized that water plays a vital role in our everyday lives. However, not every water source is safe for consumption unless it has undergone filtration. It may contain dissolved minerals, sediments, and various chemicals.
The quality of water is crucial in our daily routines, and for bars and restaurants, it directly influences the quality and flavor of beverages offered.
Neglecting the integration of proper water management can lead to severe repercussions for business, potentially damaging equipment and plumbing, resulting in hefty repair bills. Thus, investing in an effective water filtration system is highly recommended.
This system effectively removes sediments, mineral deposits, scale, and other impurities that can impact both your water and equipment. Filtering out these contaminants aids in purifying the water and maintaining equipment performance, while also preventing drinks from tasting or smelling like chlorine.
What is Water Filtration?
A water filter acts as the strainer in bars and restaurants, allowing liquid to pass while trapping various impurities.
Water is not simply H2O; it comprises various elements, including sediments, dissolved minerals, and chemicals. The level of these contaminants varies based on the water source and the delivery method to the establishment. If water travels through outdated pipes or is stored in plastic containers, the risk of contamination increases.
Choosing a Water Filtration System
With several water filtration systems available, the specific needs of your business will dictate which type is most appropriate for your bar or restaurant. Nevertheless, it’s essential to consider two key factors when assessing your water composition: the quality of water from your municipal supply and the specific equipment you intend to utilize in daily operations.
To ensure optimal treatment for your application, you first need to identify the chemicals present in your water. Understanding these contaminants will help you avoid detrimental effects on your equipment and ensure high-quality water for your operations.
By neglecting this important step, you risk spending a significant amount on an unsuitable filtration system and could end up creating additional issues that could have been addressed earlier.
Once you ascertain the composition of your water, the next step is to select a filtration system that meets your needs. Keep in mind that no two situations are alike—refer to the QWL guide for further insights.
Types of Water Filtration
There are several primary types of water filtration commonly used in bars and restaurants.
Mechanical Filtration
This is the most straightforward form of filtration. Whether at home or in a commercial setting, water often contains unwanted sediments and particles, such as dirt and rust. Mechanical filtration employs a media filter to eliminate impurities, including particles as small as microscopic levels.
This type of filtration system is used to protect primary filters from becoming clogged by tiny debris.
Carbon Filtration
This water filter utilizes a mechanical filter with activated carbon to reduce the levels of chemicals, such as chlorine, lead, PCBs, and other organic particles that can contribute unpleasant tastes and odors to the water. One significant benefit of this filtration method is its ability to remove harmful chemicals while preserving beneficial minerals essential for crafting quality drinks.
However, it does face challenges in effectively eliminating chlorine and chloramine. If this is a major concern for your establishment, you may need to consider alternative filtration systems.
Scale Inhibitor
Another filtration system beneficial for your establishment is the scale inhibitor, designed to mitigate the impact of hard minerals and reduce their tendency to form scale and crystallization. This type of filtration is particularly useful for ensuring clean drinking water and efficient dishwashing.
However, it is not suitable for steamers and ovens, as high temperatures can render the inhibitor ineffective.
Ion Exchange
For those specifically concerned about hard particles, the Ion Exchange filtration system is a reliable choice. This filter removes hard minerals from water through a chemical process that swaps magnesium and calcium ions for sodium ions.
Ion exchange systems are ideal for establishments with dishwashers and coffee machines, also rendering water safe for drinking. These filters utilize resins that target a variety of contaminants, including perchlorate and uranium, both of which pose health risks.
Reverse Osmosis
The final option for water filtration in your bar or restaurant is reverse osmosis, a system that meticulously forces water through a valve to eliminate 95% of total dissolved solids. While minerals are discarded, the purified water is redirected into a tank for consumption.
Since the reverse osmosis system removes all dissolved solids, mineral additives are necessary to maintain high-quality water suitable for any beverages offered. This method is particularly recommended when water quality at the restaurant’s location is poor.
A key distinction of reverse osmosis compared to other filtration methods is its size; it typically requires considerable space and electricity to operate efficiently. Mechanical filters, scale inhibitors, and ion exchange systems usually have line filters that can be conveniently installed beneath the countertop or in the wall of the bar or restaurant.
Finding the right water filtration system for your establishment may seem challenging at first. However, the selection process should be guided by your specific location and the condition of your existing water supply. Therefore, testing your water quality is crucial before implementing any system. Remember, water isn’t merely water; it encompasses much more than meets the eye.
