Wine Cellars, Ice Machines, Ice Makers, Commercial Appliances & Outdoor Products

Clean Ice and Water A Matter of Water Filter, Ice Machine Water Pump, And
Proper Hand Sanitation

Myths abound about contaminated ice and water in commercial establishments. ABC, NBC...they’ve all done investigative shows on the subject, with an agenda of course to create controversy. But what’s the truth about water filters and ice machine water pumps? And what impact do they have on clean water and ice?

First, let’s look at the difference between water filters and water pumps.

Water filters, whether commercial water filters or a filters for your home, are used to remove bacteria and chemicals commonly found in water supplies, and to improve taste and smell.

Water pumps on the other hand, particularly ice machine water pumps; facilitate proper drainage when a standard gravity system of drainage isn’t enough. Ice machine water pumps extend water drainage to floor drains up to 30 feet away, eliminating water pooling and backup, which breeds bacteria.

Second, let’s look at the different types of home and commercial water filters.

The most common methods of water filtration are aeration, distillation, reverse osmosis, and activated charcoal filtration. Least expensive is the activated carbon water filter and though it removes impurities and improves taste, activated charcoal fails to eliminate bacteria or dissolved minerals. This can be remedied by combining with a chlorination system.

The most effective commercial water filters and home water filters seem to be those utilizing ceramic technology. Ceramic water filters will remove up to 100 percent of bacteria, chemicals, foul taste and odor. In addition, they’ve been found to remove chlorine, detergents, and algae.

Another type of water filter is the active alumina type, which has been proven most effective in removing fluoride from water, one of the most difficult elements to remove and one of the most controversial in terms of additives. Some believe fluoride in high levels to be toxic; others dispel that as false testimony. Either way, active alumina water filters will remove fluoride if that’s what you’re after.

Finally, let’s look at the causes of contaminated water and ice, and effective remedies.

There are six principle contaminants in water:
 

• Chlorine and chloramines
• Pesticides, herbicides, MTBE (a gas additive)
• Heavy metals such as lead and mercury
• Bacteria and viruses like Giardia and Cryptosporidium
• Sediment
• Fluoride

Water filters are not only essential to eliminating these contaminants in water and ice; they are effective in extending the lifespan of ice machines. Commercial ice machines and home ice machines work more efficiently when they process clean water. Ice machine water pumps can also help by providing adequate drainage of residual water.

One other thing about ice machines: Ice machines need to be cleaned regularly, according to manufacturer’s recommendations. In addition, all the filters in the world won’t help keep ice healthy if employees aren’t taking proper sanitary measures.

With proper hand washing and the right water filter in place, there’s no reason why you can’t have.