03-14-2014, 09:13 AM
OP, you may already know this, but for the benefit of any who possibly don't...
A UV sterilization unit is NOT a filter, and it should be used WITH a filter, which is positioned upstream of the UV unit. Better yet, with two filters, the first coarse and the second fine. The first will catch the larger crud that inevitably gets into the water, like bugs, leaf particles, sand. The second will catch the fine volcanic ash that comes free of charge with our rainwater. Then the UV unit will kill micro-organisms, making the water safe to drink.
Also put a bit of nylon stocking over the inlet pipe to keep out larger stuff. That will help the coarse filter last longer.
It's also highly recommended that you install a "first flush diverter" that allows the first few minutes of a rain to simply wash down the collecting surfaces before any water goes into the tank. See the free CTAHR booklet for details.
A UV sterilization unit is NOT a filter, and it should be used WITH a filter, which is positioned upstream of the UV unit. Better yet, with two filters, the first coarse and the second fine. The first will catch the larger crud that inevitably gets into the water, like bugs, leaf particles, sand. The second will catch the fine volcanic ash that comes free of charge with our rainwater. Then the UV unit will kill micro-organisms, making the water safe to drink.
Also put a bit of nylon stocking over the inlet pipe to keep out larger stuff. That will help the coarse filter last longer.
It's also highly recommended that you install a "first flush diverter" that allows the first few minutes of a rain to simply wash down the collecting surfaces before any water goes into the tank. See the free CTAHR booklet for details.