Point of Entry (POE) systems are an effective strategy for making your secondary disinfection efforts more effective. While often not a direct secondary disinfection solution, filtration does substantially increase the efficiency of the disinfectants that you are using in your facility. Most disinfection methods target all organic material in the water and don’t have a way to distinguish between pathogens and other organic material such as sediment or minerals. This is where filtration can be very benefical. Filtering organic material out of the water supply is a great way to make sure your disinfectants are reaching their intended target.

Filtration in Secondary Disinfection

Filtration systems serve as a physical barrier, capturing bacteria along with essential food sources such as organic matter, sediment, and other particulates. Filters used for pathogen control typically operate at 0.2 microns or smaller, helping to remove even tiny waterborne pathogens like NTM and Pseudomonas. Advanced filter types, such as charged membrane filters (CMFs), offer enhanced performance by attracting and binding negatively charged bacteria.

In addition to removing pathogens, filtration also:

  • Reduces the overall microbial load in the water system
  • Improves water clarity and quality
  • Eliminates particles that can harbor bacteria or interfere with disinfection
  • Enhances the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants (e.g., chlorine, monochloramine)

This makes filtration especially useful in older buildings, or in systems prone to corrosion, scale, or sediment buildup.

What is Point of Entry (POE) Filtration?

Point of Entry (POE) systems offer an efficient way to control pathogens in building water systems right at the source. By treating incoming water before it enters the facility’s internal plumbing, these systems help limit the introduction and distribution of harmful microorganisms. This upstream intervention reduces the likelihood of pathogens circulating through the water system and lowers the risk of associated outbreaks. POE solutions are particularly beneficial in settings with vulnerable populations—such as healthcare facilities, senior housing, and large commercial buildings with intricate plumbing networks. In addition to providing early-stage protection, POE systems serve as a critical foundation for broader water safety efforts, enhancing the overall effectiveness of downstream disinfection methods.

Why Filtration Isn’t a Standalone Secondary Disinfection Solution:

  1. No Residual Disinfection
    Without a residual, bacteria can recolonize pipes and fixtures, especially in areas of stagnation or biofilm.
  2. Limited Efficacy Against Free-Living and Biofilm-Protected Bacteria
    Pathogens often hide in biofilms or amoebae, making it difficult to fully control the bacteria with filtration alone.
  3. Requires Frequent Maintenance and Monitoring
    Poorly maintained filters may become sources of contamination rather than barriers.
  4. Size Limitation vs. Bacteria Size
    Filtration is not a guarantee of total pathogen removal unless paired with other disinfection methods as there are size limits to filtration.
  5. Not Effective Against Soluble Contaminants
    Filtration does not remove dissolved organic matter that can promote bacterial regrowth.
  6. Localized Treatment
    Filters only treat water at the point of installation. Water downstream of the filtration point is vulnerable to recontamination.

We can help you with all of your water treatment needs. Contact a Secondary Disinfection Systems expert today.

Contact Us