Pre-treatment done properly
A UV unit on cloudy or iron-rich water is false comfort. We test and fit the pre-filtration first so the light can do its work.
We'll tell you when you don't need a softener · (650) 727-9630

Chemical-free disinfection
UV disinfection for San Mateo area wells and any supply without municipal treatment. We fit UV systems for properties off SR-92 toward Half Moon Bay and in the unincorporated hills.
Most city homes on Cal Water already get disinfected water. San Mateo Water Filtration fits UV water purification around San Mateo mainly for properties on private wells, where nobody treats the water before it reaches the tap. Some households on municipal supply add UV as an extra layer, such as homes with a stored-water tank or someone with a weakened immune system.
The visit starts with a look at your source and a reading for turbidity, iron, and hardness, because all three affect how well the light gets through. Then we size the chamber, fit pre-filtration, and install it in one visit.
UV is only as good as the water reaching the lamp. Most of this list is about getting that right.
We look at the well head, pressure tank, and any existing treatment. That tells us where the UV belongs in the line.
We measure turbidity, iron, manganese, and hardness at the pressure tank. Each one can coat the quartz sleeve or shade microbes from the light.
Bacteria testing needs an accredited lab, not a field kit. We explain how to take a proper sample and what the results mean.
A fine sediment cartridge removes particles that would let bacteria hide in shadow. On most wells this stage is non-negotiable.
The UV chamber is sized to your peak flow rate so every gallon gets the right dose. An undersized unit lets water pass too fast.
We fit a fresh lamp and clean quartz sleeve with a ballast that shows lamp life and alerts on failure. You can check status at a glance.
UV goes last in the line, after any softener or iron filter. That way the lamp sees the cleanest possible water.
The plumbing past the UV unit is disinfected once at start-up. Otherwise bacteria already in the pipes would stay put.
Lamps are typically replaced annually and sleeves cleaned at the same time. You get the schedule and part numbers in writing.
We visit the property and take readings at the pressure tank. We check iron, hardness, and turbidity, and talk through a lab bacteria test if you have not had one. You get a written quote that covers the UV and any pre-treatment it needs. Allow about forty-five minutes.
We mount the pre-filter and UV chamber near the pressure tank, usually in a pump house or garage. A standard outlet is needed for the ballast. The install runs a few hours and is finished in one visit.
We sanitize the downstream plumbing so the system starts clean. You see the lamp running and the ballast display. We go over the lamp change and sleeve cleaning, which take about fifteen minutes when they come due.
A UV unit on cloudy or iron-rich water is false comfort. We test and fit the pre-filtration first so the light can do its work.
Coastside and hillside wells vary a lot from one property to the next. We take a reading at your well rather than guessing from a neighbor's.
On Cal Water supply, UV is usually optional. We explain when it adds real protection and when it does not.
If your place runs on a private well, UV is one of the most practical safeguards you can add. Book a reading at the pressure tank and get a written plan for the full setup.