Ultrafiltration System Installation

The main differences are what each system removes and how it operates. RO uses a very fine membrane that removes dissolved chemicals — PFAS, lead, arsenic, nitrates — along with bacteria and viruses, but also strips out beneficial minerals. UF uses a larger pore membrane that removes bacteria, viruses, and sediment but allows dissolved minerals and most dissolved chemicals to pass through. UF also delivers water at full pressure with no storage tank and wastes no water. If your water has chemical contamination, RO is the right call. If your concern is microbial safety and you want to keep your minerals, UF is often the better fit. A water test makes this clear. Read our full comparison here.

Yes. UF membranes remove bacteria, including E. coli and coliform, as well as viruses and cysts like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. This makes UF a strong option for private well owners in Berks, Chester, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties who have tested positive for bacterial contamination or who simply want an added layer of microbial protection. For high-risk wells, we sometimes recommend pairing UF with an upstream UV system for a second line of defense.

No. Ultrafiltration membranes are not fine enough to block PFAS molecules, which are dissolved in water. If your water test shows PFAS contamination — which is a concern in parts of Bucks and Montgomery counties — you need a reverse osmosis system. We want to be direct about this because it matters for your family’s health. Learn more about our RO systems.

Yes, with some important caveats. UF works well for well water when the primary concern is microbial safety, and when dissolved chemical contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, or PFAS are not present. Many private wells in Berks, Chester, and Lehigh counties have bacterial or sediment issues that UF handles effectively. However, if your well also has iron, manganese, or high sediment levels, we’ll recommend a pre-filter upstream of the UF membrane to prevent premature clogging. A water test tells us exactly what’s needed.

Typically 1 to 2 years, though this varies based on your water quality and usage. Well water with high sediment or bacterial load will reduce membrane life more quickly than clean municipal water. Regular backflushing — which many systems do automatically — helps extend membrane life by clearing accumulated material from the surface. We include a maintenance plan with every installatio

Yes, and the combination works well. A water softener addresses hardness — removing calcium and magnesium from your whole-house supply to protect appliances and plumbing. An under-sink UF system then handles the point-of-use drinking water, removing bacteria and sediment at the tap. Since UF retains minerals, softened water going through a UF system will have already had hardness removed — which is generally a non-issue for drinking water. Many customers in Berks and Montgomery counties run both systems together effectively.

Unlike reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration does not require a storage tank or a significant pressure drop. Water flows through the UF membrane under your existing line pressure and comes out at full flow rate at the tap. You won’t notice a difference in pressure from your kitchen faucet. This is one of the practical advantages of UF over RO for homeowners who want high flow and don’t want to wait for a tank to refill.