Specifying the Water Type and Subtype for Ultrafiltration

For UF, the NTU Turbidity and TSS are key differentiators.

Table 1: WAVE Water Types and Subtypes visible in UF.

Source Water

Turbidity (NTU)

TSS (mg/L)

Well Water

< 2

< 5

Softened / Municipal Water

< 2

< 5

Surface Waters

< 2

< 5

< 5

< 10

5 - 15

< 20

15 - 50

< 30

50 - 75

< 50

Seawater

< 5

< 5

< 10

< 20

< 20

< 40

Wastewater (Industrial, Secondary, Tertiary Effluent)

< 3

< 5

< 5

< 10

5 – 10

< 20

10 – 20

< 30

< 30

< 40

Notes:

  • RO permeate is not included as a Water Type because it is considered unlikely that RO permeate would need UF treatment.
  • Depending on the values introduced in the water characterization, WAVE already gives the water subtype recommended.