AWWA B100: The Standard Behind Reliable Filter Media in Water Treatment
In water treatment, consistency, safety, and performance of filter media are non-negotiable. Whether treating drinking water or industrial wastewater, the materials inside your filtration system dictate its effectiveness. That’s where the AWWA B100 standard plays a vital role.
At Starke Aquacare Technologies, we prioritize supplying filter media that strictly comply with AWWA B100 to ensure safe, durable, and high-efficiency filtration for municipal, residential, and industrial applications.
What Is AWWA B100?
AWWA B100 is a standard published by the American Water Works Association, specifying the physical, chemical, and performance criteria for granular filter media such as sand, zeolite, anthracite, and more. It provides a quality benchmark for filtration materials used in water treatment systems worldwide.
What Filter Media Types Are Covered?
The AWWA B100 standard applies to:
Silica Sand
Gravel
Zeolite
Anthracite
Garnet
Multimedia filter blends
These are commonly used in:
Municipal treatment plants
Industrial ETP/STP systems
Pressure sand filters
Multimedia filtration vessels
Key AWWA B100 Specifications & Why They Matter
Here’s what makes AWWA B100-compliant media more reliable:
1. Particle Size Distribution
Ensures uniform filtration
Reduces pressure drops and uneven flow
Prevents early clogging or media migration
2. Shape and Roundness
Prefers angular/sub-angular particles
Sharp edges trap particles more effectively
Enhances durability under backwash cycles
3. Specific Gravity (3.5–4.0 range)
Ensures media stays in place under flow
Critical in multi-media layering
4. Mohs Hardness (7.5–8)
High resistance to physical and chemical wear
Extends filter media lifespan
5. Chemical Composition
Composed of stable oxides like SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃
Must be free from toxic impurities and heavy metals
6. Uniformity Coefficient (UC < 1.5 preferred)
Indicates tight particle size range
Improves predictability in filtration and backwash
7. Water Content
Must be controlled to avoid clumping or flow restriction
Affects transport, installation, and media performance
8. Toxicity
Media must not leach contaminants into treated water
Especially critical for drinking water applications
9. Resistance to Chemical Attack
Compatible with common disinfectants like chlorine and alum
Prevents breakdown in harsh conditions
Why AWWA B100 Certification Matters
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Consistent Performance | Meets stringent requirements to ensure filtration efficiency |
| ✅ Regulatory Compliance | Aligns with global standards for municipal and industrial water systems |
| ✅ Safety Assurance | Avoids introducing toxins into potable water |
| ✅ Longevity & Durability | Withstands chemical exposure and mechanical stress |
| ✅ Cost Savings | Reduces frequency of media replacement and operational downtime |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What media types follow AWWA B100?
Granular media like sand, gravel, zeolite, anthracite, and garnet fall under the scope of AWWA B100.
Can I verify if my media is AWWA B100 compliant?
Yes. Starke provides a Certificate of Compliance along with technical datasheets showing conformity with AWWA B100 parameters.
What happens if filter media doesn’t meet AWWA B100?
Substandard media can cause:
Media breakdown
Clogging
Ineffective filtration
Water quality non-compliance
Higher maintenance costs
How Starke Ensures AWWA B100 Compliance
At Starke, we deliver batch-tested, AWWA-compliant filter media with full documentation.
Sieve analysis
Bulk density
UC measurement
Hardness testing
Chemical composition validation
We also assist clients in:
System sizing
Media selection
Layer configuration for multimedia filters
Client Success Snapshot: Municipal Water Plant in Africa
A government utility upgraded their filtration system with AWWA B100-compliant sand and anthracite supplied by Starke. Within 60 days, they reported:
50% reduction in backwash frequency
Improved NTU reduction from 12 to <1
No media loss or performance degradation
Conclusion: AWWA B100 Is a Standard You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Choosing filter media that meets the AWWA B100 standard isn’t optional it’s a guarantee of performance, safety, and compliance. Whether you’re running a municipal treatment plant, industrial facility, or a commercial RO system, media quality determines your filtration success.
Trust Starke Filter Media your global partner in high-quality, certified filter materials.
Looking for AWWA B100 Certified Filter Media?
We supply ready stock in sand, zeolite, anthracite, and more—with international delivery and technical support.
Email: info@starkefiltermedia.com
Website: www.starkefiltermedia.com