Future-Proofing Slow Sand Filtration: Adding Ancillary Technologies to a Time-Tested Science
Kristof Karpiuk, Robert "Bob" LeCraw (MS Filter Systems Inc)

Slow sand filtration systems are reputed to be quite narrow in the range of raw water these kinds of systems can treat. This may have been true in the past but contemporary threats like supply chain bottlenecks and rising costs make the simplicity and low operating costs of slow sand worth a second look. However, the limitations of slow sand remain unless we apply ancillary technologies on an as-needed, modular basis to augment what slow sand is capable of. We will look at 2 such technologies; pre-ozonation and ion-exchange, and how they can turn a simple and limited slow sand filtration system into a highly effective solution to solve modern drinking water challenges such as endocrine disruptors and PFAS contamination. By looking ahead at new contaminants before regulations have even caught up to the problem, we can be ready with robust solutions.