Transforming Water Quality in Dubai: A Case Study on Residential Water Safety and Filtration

Water quality is a fundamental concern for homeowners, particularly in regions where municipal water systems are challenged by climatic and infrastructural constraints. This case study highlights the successful intervention of Saniservice in addressing water contamination issues in a high-end residential villa in Jumeirah Golf Estate, Dubai. Through a comprehensive approach combining advanced cleaning techniques and state-of-the-art filtration technology, the project showcases the significant impact of professional water management solutions.

The Water Quality Challenge

Cassandra W., a resident of a five-bedroom villa in Jumeirah Golf Estate, had been experiencing persistent water quality issues. Her primary concerns included a metallic taste, visible suspended particles, and uncertainty regarding microbial safety. With a family of four, including two young children, she was deeply troubled by the potential health risks associated with consuming and bathing in subpar water.

In response, the family had resorted to purchasing bottled water for drinking and cooking, incurring significant monthly costs exceeding AED 600. Beyond the financial burden, the reliance on bottled water also contributed to unnecessary plastic waste, an issue of growing environmental concern.

Understanding Dubai’s Water Quality Issues

Dubai, like much of the UAE, depends on desalinated water as its primary source of potable water. While this method ensures an ample supply, it also presents challenges, such as:

• High mineral content affecting taste and odor
• Risk of bacterial proliferation due to warm climate conditions
• Potential contamination from inadequate water storage and distribution systems
• Corrosion of plumbing infrastructure
• Biofilm formation within pipelines and fixtures

These factors collectively contribute to water that, while meeting safety regulations, often falls short in terms of quality, taste, and purity. To address these concerns, a scientific and methodical approach was essential.

Assessment and Initial Findings

Saniservice initiated the project with a detailed water quality assessment, testing various physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters. The findings were concerning:

• Total Suspended Solids (TSS): 15 mg/L, indicating significant contamination.
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 134 mg/L, within limits but requiring improvement.
• Microbiological Contamination: Bacterial count of 389 CFU and fungal count of 144 CFU, both exceeding recommended safety levels.
• Biofilm and Sediment in Water Tank: A thick 5 cm layer of sediment was discovered at the bottom of the tank, along with visible biofilm formation on tank walls and corrosion at pipe connections.

The results underscored the need for an immediate, multi-faceted remediation strategy that would ensure not only water safety but also long-term purity and taste improvement.

Intervention Strategy

Based on the assessment, Saniservice devised a two-phase intervention plan:

1. Comprehensive Water Tank Cleaning and Disinfection
2. Installation of the Aquaporin A2O Pure Water Filtration System

Each step was designed to address specific contaminants and prevent future water quality issues.

Phase 1: Water Tank Cleaning and Disinfection

The first step in the intervention involved a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the residential water storage system. The process followed a systematic approach:

• Tank Drainage: Complete removal of existing water to expose and eliminate accumulated sediment.
• Interior Cleaning: Scrubbing of all tank surfaces using plant- and mineral-based cleaners, ensuring effective biofilm removal without introducing harmful chemicals.
• Disinfection: Application of Dubai Municipality-approved bio-sanitizers to eradicate microbial contaminants.
• System Flushing: Flushing of the entire plumbing network to eliminate residual contaminants and ensure the cleanliness of distribution pipes.
• Fixture Treatment: Disinfection of all household water outlets, including taps, showers, and faucets, to remove mold and biofilm buildup.

This process effectively eradicated microbial growth, ensuring that the water supply within the home was free from dangerous bacteria and fungi.

Phase 2: Aquaporin A2O Pure Water Filtration Installation

Following the cleaning and disinfection, the next step was the installation of the Aquaporin A2O Pure Water Filtration System under the kitchen sink to provide high-quality drinking water. The system employs Aquaporin Inside® technology, a revolutionary approach inspired by natural water filtration processes in living cells.

Key Features of the A2O Pure System:

• High Efficiency: A 65% water recovery rate, significantly reducing water wastage compared to traditional reverse osmosis systems.
• Advanced Filtration: Removal of PFAS, heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and viruses.
• Smart Controls: WiFi-enabled monitoring of water quality and filter status.
• Leak Prevention: Automatic shutoff in case of leaks.
• Direct Flow Design: Eliminating the need for a storage tank, thereby preventing bacterial growth in standing water.

With this installation, the villa was equipped with an unparalleled water purification system that delivered consistently safe and high-quality drinking water.