Why Water Analysis Is the First Step in Every Project

The most expensive mistake in a water treatment project is selecting the system without a water analysis. Two plants of the same capacity need entirely different equipment if their feed water differs. A decision made without analysis leads either to a needlessly expensive system or to a membrane that fouls within months.

**The core parameters to measure:**

Total dissolved solids (TDS) determines which technology the system will be built on. Water below 1,000 ppm may be handled by softening or nanofiltration, while seawater at 35,000 ppm requires high-pressure reverse osmosis.

Hardness (calcium and magnesium) indicates scaling risk. It is the critical parameter on boiler and heat exchanger feed lines.

SDI (Silt Density Index) measures how quickly the water will foul a membrane. RO membranes generally require SDI below 3; above that, pre-treatment is mandatory.

Free chlorine is a direct hazard to membranes. Above 1 ppm it damages an RO membrane permanently, which is why an activated carbon filter sits ahead of it.

pH affects both precipitation balance and membrane selection. Iron and manganese oxidise and precipitate, clogging bed filters. Nitrate, arsenic and fluoride are additionally assessed for drinking water compliance.

**How often should it be repeated?** Well water varies noticeably with the seasons, so measurement at least twice a year is advisable. Mains water changes less, but an annual check is still worthwhile. In seawater, salinity and temperature shift seasonally and directly affect energy consumption.

At KOİ FİLTRE we begin every project with a free water analysis. After sampling, laboratory assessment and reporting, we propose a capacity and configuration — and the quotation is based on that measurement.