Not all water quality problems for farm and rural drinking water can be solved by simple filters. However there is a lot that can be done to improve drinking water quality. Its often a matter of being proactive in case contamination occurs. Dual cartridge systems are easy to install and can often be fitted under the kitchen sink. The choice of cartridges depends on the source of the water.
Above ground or well protected rainwater tanks usually don’t build up bacteria levels but they can develop undesirable smells if poorly aerated. Use a sediment cartridge and a 5 micron carbon cartridge. At Apps Laboratories we have selected some dual cartridge combinations that can be applied to different situations. See them at Drinking water systems.
If you have to backup your water supply from a creek or dam then use a sediment cartridge plus a finer carbon cartridge, one that is designed to reduce waterborne protozoan pathogens. Your carbon cartridge should reduce some turbidity so that UV treatment can be added. UV is very effective against bacteria provided there is not too much dissolved organic matter in the water. Ask Apps Laboratories for a Basic water quality test.
Many farms source water from fairly protected situations like springs or bores. But there may be fine silt or sediment and a risk from bacteria. Again a fine carbon cartridge like the KX Matrikx Cr1 is recommended. The second cartridge will be a special ceramic cartridge such as the Doulton Sterasyl. Ceramic cartridges are very effective at reducing bacteria. At Apps Laboratories we have tested ceramic cartridges and the results are reported in Ceramic cartridge test.
For more details on Rural and farm drinking water systems please see Rural and farm systems.