Any water sources that are used for drinking may be physically and chemically contaminated. Contaminants such as algae, sand, silt, snails, and worms can make the water unsafe for drinking.

In most cases, membranes and cartridge filters are used to clean the water. This way of cleaning dirty waters can cause too many scheduled and unscheduled maintenance shutdowns. A manual cleaning and replacement of bags, cartridges, membranes, and screens that can cost thousands of dollars are also needed.