A framework for evaluating the topic
Planning note: Filtration does not remove dissolved salts; analysis should distinguish physical filtration, chemical conditioning and disinfection needs.
Assess physical, chemical and biological risks in the water source to define sampling and appropriate filtration stages. This resource provides general technical information. Final capacity, equipment and implementation choices require engineering calculations based on site and project data.
Samples are taken upstream of treatment under representative operation; one test may miss seasonal change in wells or surface water.
Screen, disc and media filters target suspended matter; high EC, alkalinity or sodium requires a separate chemical or membrane assessment.
Filter grade is matched to the emitter passage, while backwash flow is checked against pump and drainage capacity.
Topics covered in technical assessment
Source type and seasonal variation
Samples are taken upstream of treatment under representative operation; one test may miss seasonal change in wells or surface water.
EC, pH and alkalinity
Screen, disc and media filters target suspended matter; high EC, alkalinity or sodium requires a separate chemical or membrane assessment.
Sodium, chloride and bicarbonate
Filter grade is matched to the emitter passage, while backwash flow is checked against pump and drainage capacity.
Suspended solids, turbidity and organics
Samples are taken upstream of treatment under representative operation; one test may miss seasonal change in wells or surface water.
Iron, manganese and precipitation risk
Screen, disc and media filters target suspended matter; high EC, alkalinity or sodium requires a separate chemical or membrane assessment.
Microbial risk and return water
Filter grade is matched to the emitter passage, while backwash flow is checked against pump and drainage capacity.
Hydrocyclone, media, disc and screen filters
Samples are taken upstream of treatment under representative operation; one test may miss seasonal change in wells or surface water.
Sampling point and monitoring frequency
Screen, disc and media filters target suspended matter; high EC, alkalinity or sodium requires a separate chemical or membrane assessment.
Planning and comparison logic
Assess physical, chemical and biological risks in the water source to define sampling and appropriate filtration stages.
| Input to verify | Effect on the decision | How to verify it |
|---|---|---|
| Source type and seasonal variation | Samples are taken upstream of treatment under representative operation; one test may miss seasonal change in wells or surface water. | Suspended solids, turbidity and organics |
| EC, pH and alkalinity | Screen, disc and media filters target suspended matter; high EC, alkalinity or sodium requires a separate chemical or membrane assessment. | Iron, manganese and precipitation risk |
| Sodium, chloride and bicarbonate | Filter grade is matched to the emitter passage, while backwash flow is checked against pump and drainage capacity. | Microbial risk and return water |
Common mistakes
Microbial risk and return water
Screen, disc and media filters target suspended matter; high EC, alkalinity or sodium requires a separate chemical or membrane assessment.
Hydrocyclone, media, disc and screen filters
Filter grade is matched to the emitter passage, while backwash flow is checked against pump and drainage capacity.
Sampling point and monitoring frequency
Samples are taken upstream of treatment under representative operation; one test may miss seasonal change in wells or surface water.
Why does this matter in your project?
Planning note: Filtration does not remove dissolved salts; analysis should distinguish physical filtration, chemical conditioning and disinfection needs.
This resource provides general technical information. Final capacity, equipment and implementation choices require engineering calculations based on site and project data.
Explore the related systemTechnical references
Frequently Asked Questions: Greenhouse Irrigation Water Quality, Testing and Filtration
How should source type and seasonal variation be assessed?
Samples are taken upstream of treatment under representative operation; one test may miss seasonal change in wells or surface water.
How should ec, ph and alkalinity be assessed?
Screen, disc and media filters target suspended matter; high EC, alkalinity or sodium requires a separate chemical or membrane assessment.
How should sodium, chloride and bicarbonate be assessed?
Filter grade is matched to the emitter passage, while backwash flow is checked against pump and drainage capacity.
How should suspended solids, turbidity and organics be assessed?
Samples are taken upstream of treatment under representative operation; one test may miss seasonal change in wells or surface water.
How should iron, manganese and precipitation risk be assessed?
Screen, disc and media filters target suspended matter; high EC, alkalinity or sodium requires a separate chemical or membrane assessment.