We have a General Ecology
water purification system on our
boat that takes the Seagull IV filter. The system appears to
work properly and is in great, clean condition. We think it is original to the
boat, so 28 years old. The GE literature says a new filter should last for about 1,000 gallons. We have not been getting that result. Our
stainless steel water tanks have been thoroughly inspected and sanitized. There is no debris in the
tanks. The pressure tank is new. The water lines are clear and clean.
How can we objectively tell when the filter needs to be changed? We have
never (not once) experienced a decrease in flow rate (as their advertisement suggests), but the taste changed after after three months on a new filter. Spending $105 dollars every three months on a new filter will dent our cruising
budget. At that rate,
buying bottled water would be less expensive, but a serious transporting and
storage hassle. I am concerned about pathogens, as we are traveling in
Mexico and the
dock water here is not potable. (So, until we figure this out, we have been
buying the clear blue 20 liter carboys of
drinking water for $3 each.)
We tested the Seagull IV water and bottled water with a PPM (parts per million) meter. The purchased bottled water read 5 ppm. The Seagull IV water read 344 ppm. Clearly there is a difference. But what should the cut-off point be? And ppm of what substance? There's a huge difference between 300 ppm of calcium in the water and 300 ppm of Giardiasis.
What are we doing incorrectly? What are we missing? How can we insure the Seagull Water is safe to drink and also extend the life of the filters?
I've emailed the company directly, but no response yet.
Any and all
advice welcome.
Thanks!