The Importance of Water Quality

Water quality is very important. Sure, that’s a no-brainer, but it doesn’t undermine the point any less. With how often we’re around it and how we use it, it’s always something to think about. But when it comes to water that’s being used in our line of work, it goes from just something to think about to something you need to know about. That’s where the problem usually lies. There are different kinds of water being used in different scenarios for different reasons. Each standard of water quality was put in place to minimize the risk of water related infections based on the procedure.

When it comes to what we do, water quality is paramount. And that’s what we’d like to discuss in this article. To show the different types of water quality, the importance of quality as a whole, and to provide a solution to ensure that your practice gets the clean water it needs. 

The Different Types of Water

To get into the importance of water quality, we first have to understand something very important. In the medical use field, there are a few different types of water that are used. It’s not just “clean water.” There are a few different kinds of water that all have different qualities that suit different needs. And so we’d like to cover them briefly to give you a better understanding of just what we’re dealing with.

Distilled Quality Water

The first type of water we’ll cover is “distilled-quality water.” Notice it’s not distilled water, it’s distilled-quality water. There is a difference. While, yes, distilled-quality water is cleaner than, say, tap water, by itself it’s not suitable for the same jobs as actually distilled water. The name refers to its relative purity in relation to distilled water. Distilled quality water contains <10 parts per million total dissolved solids. Both distilled and distilled quality water are used in instrument washers and autoclaves due to their low contaminate level. 

And while it can’t be used like distilled water, distilled quality water is an excellent base for use with tablets or straws, and is proven to be a powerful formula for effective dental water production.

Dental Water

This one is easily explained by the name alone. Dental water is the quality of water suited for use in non-surgical/routine dental procedures. According to OSAP, this water is suitable for procedures that do NOT include: “incision, excision, or reflection of tissue that exposes the normally sterile areas of the oral cavity.” Things like cleanings and just general practice. This is the water that comes through the water lines on things like their air and water hoses that are directly connected to their handpieces. 

Dental water contains a residual chemical treatment. Meaning, it mitigates its microbial content to <500 colony forming units (CFU). However, with the limitations of this water, that means that you should be mindful of when it’s used. If a procedure goes from routine into surgical territory, you must be mindful to use the proper quality water when needed to prevent patient infection.

Sterile Water

Sterile water, unlike distilled water, has had organic contaminants like bacteria removed, but retains inorganic minerals and salts in a certain quantity. This makes it slightly less pure than distilled water. 

In dental work, sterile water is a quality of water that’s meant to be used for surgical dental procedures. This quality of water is meant to be used in surgical scenarios like this to reduce the risk of infection. Situations like:

• Biopsy
• Periodontal surgery
• Apical endodontic surgery
• Implant surgery
• Surgical extractions of teeth

Distilled Water

This type of water may be especially familiar if you know us. Distilled water is THE go-to type of water for steam sterilization processes in autoclave and instrument washers. Distilled water is water that’s boiled into a vapor, then condensed back into a liquid into a separate container. This process removes any impurities because the impure materials don’t boil with the water and remain in the original container. Making distilled water a type of purified water.

Deionized water or reverse osmosis water can (in some cases) be used in place of distilled water as a cheaper alternative. But when it comes to situations that call for high-purity water, accept no substitute, distilled water is the way to go. 

The Importance of Water Quality

The difference between each type of water quality, and their role in the medical field is extremely important. Each different type of water quality has its own role to play for a reason. And each one was put in place by the standards and practices that show where they’re proven most effective. Distilled water being used to sterilize the instruments used in the field for reuse. Dental water being used for routine practice day-to-day. Sterile water being needed in sterile environments for surgical procedures. And it’s been noted by sources like Solmetex that “understanding the nature of the procedure and the limitations of the water quality necessitated by that procedure, will help you as a clinician minimize the risk of water related infections.”

Like everyone in the dental field should know, what works for one procedure will not always work for another. Preparations must be made accordingly to suit the nature of the situation. But there should also be preparations in place in case the situation changes and a higher standard of water quality is needed. 

Our Water Quality Solution

If it’s distilled water you’re after for your practice, then we have a couple of products that might be useful. Two water filtration systems that provide the best distilled water in their own unique fashion. You can get distilled water from right within your office with the help of the VistaPure water filtration system, and the Sterisil AC+. 

VistaPure Filtration System

The VistaPure filtration system is an under-the-counter filtration system with an interesting design. Being able to work hard and out of the way. This device uses a 5-stage filtration system to create autoclave-ready, distilled water on demand. It stores this water in its 4.5 gallon tank that sits aside from the unit. And when you need water, the unit can deliver the water without the use of electricity, utilizing only water pressure. Whether it’s through the included point-and-shoot wand to fill your autoclave, or the universal autoclave connection system, VistaPure has you covered.

VistaPure provides two grades of high-quality water for autoclaves, dental bottles, ultrasonic cleaners and instrument washers for the ultimate convenience. And it has a number of incredible features for your practice, such as:

• Universal System – VistaPure will work with the STATIM® Cassette Autoclaves, BRAVO™ Chamber Autoclaves, HYDRIM® Instrument Washers, Ultrasonic Cleaners, Dental Bottles, other select sterilzers and automated washers.
• High Quality Water – Water is autoclave-ready, distilled quality (deionized) water which eliminates the need to buy distilled water or own a distiller.
• Easy to Use – VistaPure’s handheld, point-and-shoot wand makes it easy for anyone to fill autoclaves, no matter where they’re located, and the system’s mounted faucet makes it easy to fill Dental Unit bottles over a sink. We will also offer unique “automatic water filling control” options for our STATIM and BRAVO sterilizers along with our HYDRIM final rinse options.
• Smart Design – VistaPure’s filter panel fits neatly under the steri-center counter with slides for easy access to the filters.
• Convenient – VistaPure provides a high volume of ready-to-use water, on demand. Its large 4.25-gallon storage tank means you don’t need to wait for deionization and R/O processes to take place.
• Consistent – Each VistaPure features an in-line TDS meter that monitors water quality—and also makes it easy to know when it’s time to replace your filters.

Sterisil AC+ Autoclave System

When it comes to reducing waste and producing the water quality you need, Sterisil has it all. Their variety of water purification systems are meant to help you eliminate waste while giving you distilled water that meets standards consistently. 

These under the counter units have standalone and replaceable filters down to the stage. You can see the filtration cartridges on the picture to the right, that is the Sterisil AC+. Meant to make the replacement process precise and quick for that annual replacement period. And with that short and easily accessible maintenance, the Sterisil AC+ can meet your office’s water needs for up to an entire year! The Sterisil AC+ aims to provide confidence in the consistency of your water quality in an easy-to-use package. The AC+ accomplishes this through a number of benefits for you and your practice, like: 

• Compact design for under-sink installation.
• Produces distilled quality water with <10ppm TDS.
• Choose between sink top dispensing faucet or filler wand for easy filling of tabletop autoclaves.
• Can be used in areas with very hard water; 150ppm TDS or more.
• Can produce up to 50 gallons of distilled quality water per day.
• Produces final rinse water for instrument washers.
• Up to 28 gallons of reserve water for on-demand autoclave-ready water.
• Full system audible and visual monitoring system notify you of needed cartridge replacement.
• Class B Ultraviolet Irradiation for preliminary water treatment.
• Designed to be used with Sterisil dental water line treatment products.

These are just some of the benefits that Sterisil brings to the table to ensure your switch to a bottle-free work environment is worthwhile. And if you’d like to read more into these machines, you can check our Sterisil category on our website for each model and their parts.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of reasons why water quality in the medical field should be respected and understood due to its purpose. This isn’t something to dismiss in this line of work. The importance of taking steps to ensure that the water you’re using for your practice is up to the necessary standards. Improper water use can lead to situations that can endanger your patient, which is the LAST thing your practice needs. So ensure that in your practice, you learn and understand the differences, and have ways to access the proper water for the procedures you’ll encounter. 

If it’s ideas you need on where to start looking for ways your practice can make its own water, we’ve got a couple of options. Like the Sterisil AC+ or the VistaPure water filtration systems. Under-the-counter water filtration systems that can provide a much needed enhancement to your practice for distilled water whenever you need. Or if you’d like to read more about the “water quality conundrum”, you can find a better look into it from Solmetex. So if you have questions about this, the filtration systems or anything else, give us a call. You can reach us at 704-966-1650, or you can find our various programs using the links below.

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As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”

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