Irrigation Water Filters: Types and Uses

Proper water filtration protects your irrigation system and promotes healthy plant growth. Water filters can help extend the life of your drip and sprinkler system. A water filter is important in any irrigation system and is the main component that filters out possible contaminants and debris in your water. No matter how clean your water is, a filter blocks pollutants entering the irrigation system. Even small sand particles in water can cause emitters or sprinklers to get clogged.

This article provides an overview of the role of irrigation water filters, different types of filters, their best uses, and more about these game-changing products.

Why You Need Water Filter for Your Irrigation System

Water quality is the most important factor in plant health and irrigation system efficiency. Unfiltered water contains high levels of sediment, organic matter, or other toxic substances, which can damage your system and be disastrous for crops. Plants are also living organisms that need clean water to thrive and stay healthy. Therefore, a water filter is crucial in any irrigation system to prevent these toxins and pollutants from entering your water supply.

A water filter is a device that separates solid particles and water from the mixture by using a special chamber that only allows water to pass through it. Solid matter can't pass through tiny holes or gaps in the screen, preventing blockages to the system and unfiltered water from affecting plants. Proper water filtration improves irrigation efficiency, essential for the best crop yields.

Types of Irrigation Water Filters and their Uses

Let's look at the multiple filters available and their applications, benefits, and needs in irrigation systems.

Screen Filters

Screen filters consist of stainless-steel mesh, nylon, or polyester that create a barrier to prevent dirt, debris, solid particles, and sand from leaching into an irrigation system. The level of filtration depends on mesh sizes. The higher the mesh size, the finer the screen. These filters are ideal for water with minimal sediment or low levels of suspended solids.

Uses and Benefits

• Screen filters are ideal for gardens with clean municipal or well water.
• Screen filters are best for removing inorganic particles from water with low to moderate sediments.
• They are low-maintenance and known for their efficiency in trapping large particles.
• It is more economical and affordable for gardeners and small-scale farmers.

Disc Filters

Disc filters use a series of grooved discs that are stacked on one another and compressed on the spine. The grooves on the disc run opposite to the next disc. When water flows through the discs, their grooves capture dirt, algae, debris, and other impurities and remove them from the water. As water flows through the disc system, the contaminants are trapped in the grooves.

Uses and benefits

• Disc filters are used to deal with water that contains a lot of organic matter and debris.
• They are easy to maintain and excel in capturing small particles
• It effectively removes both physical and natural impurities.
• Disc filters remove fine and medium particles, which are ideal for various water conditions, including those with heavy sediment loads.

Sand/Media Filters

Sand or media filters clean the water by flowing it through a container filled with sharp-edged media. The media material is usually a bed or layer of crushed sand, gravel, pebbles, or charcoal. When it flows through the small spaces between media, sand filters attract debris and filter out pollutants from the water. The sand filter is back washed periodically to remove accumulated debris and sediments.

Uses and Benefits

• Sand/media filters have high-volume cleaning ability and are commonly used to clean water from lakes and rivers.
• Large farms and municipal water systems use these water filters.
• Sand filters are proficient at removing smaller particles and organic material from water, making them suitable for areas with a lot of sediments.
• They need regular back flushing to maintain their filtration efficiency.

Centrifugal Filters

Also known as hydro cyclone filters or sand separators, centrifugal filters remove sand from water. These filters use centrifugal force to remove sand and heavy debris from water while spinning speedily inside the filter. They are great for cases where there's a lot of sand in water because they don't clog as quickly as other filters. The contaminated water enters the filter, spinning around the inside of the cylinder. The centrifugal forces cause the sand to move to the cylinder's outer edge, where it slides down the wall to the tank at the bottom.

Uses and Benefits

• These filters are the best choice for irrigation systems highly affected by sand.
• They are durable, simple, and effective, requiring little upkeep.
• Centrifugal filters are the perfect choice for recirculating water with heavy sediments like river water.
• It protects irrigation components from abrasion and clogging.

How to Choose the Right Filter for Your Needs

Choosing the right type of filter for your irrigation system and garden is crucial for achieving optimal crop growth. Understand your system's unique needs and water quality. This decision will highly affect system efficiency and plant yield, so make the best choice. Below are some factors you should consider when choosing the best irrigation water filter.

Water Source

Your irrigation water source greatly impacts the type of filter you need, so analyze your water origin and detect impurities present in it. For example, water from lakes or ponds may contain more organic matter, but well water might have more sand content.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Consider the ease and your ability to clean the filter and perform maintenance. Some filters can be cleaned easily, while others require disassembly. Similarly, automatic water filters need less maintenance compared to manual filters, which require more frequent intervention.

Irrigation System

Larger and more complex irrigation systems benefit from automatic filters. Drip irrigation requires finer filters, while sprinkler systems can handle larger particles efficiently.

Plant Type

Some plants are more sensitive to impurities. Sensitive crops like vegetables require cleaner water than hardier plants. So, consider your crop type and their specific needs when choosing a filter.

Available Budget

Consider the initial and ongoing operating costs of the filter and prioritize the one that fits your budget. Automatic water filters can be expensive initially, but they save a lot on labor costs.

The Bottom Line

Irrigation water filters are invaluable tools for increasing crop health and maintaining green water standards. They ensure you're pumping clean and uncontaminated water into your irrigation system. Clean water makes your irrigation system last longer and keeps your crops productive. A high-quality water filter will be worth the investment and save you time and money. They can be a game-changer for your landscape, improving the quality of your irrigation water and ensuring that every drop counts.

By choosing the right filter for your irrigation system, you can ensure your garden receives pure water free of contaminants and harmful sediments. If you want to enhance your garden's health with proper irrigation, DripWorks is here to help with all your irrigation needs. We carry many irrigation water filters that will help you create a lush, beautiful green space.