If your water authority issues a boil water alert, follow its instructions exactly until the alert is lifted – whatever filtration you have at home. Puretec explains that a boil water alert is typically issued because the water supply has a biological contamination. Its combined filtration and Radfire™ UV systems are designed to kill bacteria before water reaches your tap, which can add ongoing protection, but a home system does not replace your authority’s advice.
What does a boil water alert mean?
According to Puretec, a boil water alert is typically issued because the supply has a biological contamination, which can cause gastro, infections and other unpleasant health issues. Your authority’s notice will tell you which uses need boiled or bottled water and when the alert ends. For health concerns, contact your doctor or state health department.
How Puretec systems treat bacteria
Whole-house filtration and UV
Puretec states its Hybrid E systems kill bacteria by up to 99.99% thanks to Radfire™ technology, along with reducing sediment, viruses and harmful microbes. The Hybrid E7 offers dual-stage filtration; the Hybrid E13 offers triple-stage filtration with chlorine, taste and odour reduction. Because every tap is treated, this covers drinking, cooking, showering and brushing teeth.
Point-of-use UV
The Hybrid M1 connects to any mixer tap and, like the larger Hybrid systems, combines dual-stage filtration with Radfire™ UV to kill up to 99.9% of bacteria at that tap.
Point-of-use ultrafine filtration
The PureMix Z6 uses Ultra Z filtration technology with three levels of filtration, filtering sediment down to 0.1 micron (nominal), reducing bad taste, odour and chlorine, and protecting against cysts and bacteria such as E. coli.
Know the limits
- Single-tap systems protect one tap only. Puretec notes that point-of-use systems do not protect shower water, and cross-contamination between hot and cold lines needs to be considered.
- UV needs clear water. Puretec states UV treatment assumes the water remains clear and flow rates do not exceed the maximum at the specified UV dose. Puretec also notes high iron levels can prevent UV sterilisation from working.
- Read the cautions. Puretec’s Hybrid E brochure includes the caution: “Do not use with microbiologically unsafe water or water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.”
- Maintenance matters. Puretec says Hybrid E maintenance is as easy as replacing the UV lamp once a year and periodically cleaning the sleeve; the systems have a UV lamp count-down timer and alarm.
If your system was running during a contamination event and you are unsure whether cartridges should be replaced, contact us or Puretec Customer Care before relying on it.
Installation: connection to your water supply must be carried out by a licensed plumber, and any hard-wired electrical work by a licensed electrician.
Recommended products
- Puretec Hybrid E13 – triple-stage filtration and Radfire UV for every tap in the home.
- Puretec Hybrid E7 – dual-stage filtration and UV for larger homes.
- Puretec Hybrid M1 – under-sink UV and filtration for a single drinking tap.
- Puretec PureMix Z6 – 0.1 micron (nominal) Ultra Z filtration that protects against cysts and bacteria such as E. coli at one tap.
- Puretec HR-EI13 maintenance kit – genuine cartridges, UV lamp and sleeve to keep a Hybrid E13 or I13 maintained.
Puretec Hybrid E13 E Series
Original price was: $4,099.67.$3,399.00Current price is: $3,399.00. inc GST Add to cartPuretec Hybrid E7 E Series
Original price was: $3,425.72.$2,729.00Current price is: $2,729.00. inc GST Add to cartPuretec Hybrid M1 Under Sink Dual Stage Filtration With UV Technology, 1 Micron
Original price was: $1,247.64.$999.00Current price is: $999.00. inc GST Add to cartPuretec Puremix Z6 Premium High Flow Under Sink In-Line Filter
Original price was: $496.71.$439.00Current price is: $439.00. inc GST Add to cartPuretec HR-EI13 Maintenance Kit E Series
$828.00 – $849.00 / 6-Months Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Frequently asked questions
If I have a filter, can I ignore a boil water alert?
No. Always follow your water authority’s instructions until the alert is lifted. A home filtration or UV system adds protection but does not replace official advice.
Will a standard carbon filter kill bacteria?
Puretec’s bacterial protection uses Radfire UV (Hybrid systems) or ultrafine Ultra Z filtration down to 0.1 micron (nominal). Standard carbon and sediment cartridges are designed for taste, odour, chlorine and sediment.
Is a whole-house or under-sink system better during an alert?
Puretec notes that point-of-use systems protect only a single tap and not the shower, whereas a whole-house system treats every tap. Whichever you have, follow your authority’s instructions during an alert.
How often does a UV lamp need replacing?
For its Hybrid E systems, Puretec says to replace the UV lamp once a year and periodically clean the sleeve. The systems include a UV lamp count-down timer and alarm.
Related guides: Bacteria, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, Is rainwater tank water safe to drink?, Under-sink vs whole-house filters.
Questions? Call or text 0447 203 775 or email [email protected] and we will help you choose.