For which type of water are diatomaceous earth filters specifically used?

Diatomaceous earth filters are particularly effective for treating water that has low turbidity. These filters are designed to trap and remove fine particles, including microorganisms and sediment, which are not always present in high concentrations in low turbidity water. The diatomaceous earth material provides a large surface area for filtration, allowing it to effectively capture these smaller particles while allowing clean water to pass through.

In contrast, high turbidity water often contains larger particles that may clog the filter more rapidly, reducing its efficiency. While diatomaceous earth filters can be used for some contaminated water, they are not primarily designed for that purpose and will not remove all types of contaminants. Surface water can vary widely in its turbidity levels, so while some surface water may have low turbidity, it can also be high or contain various contaminants. Thus, the specificity of diatomaceous earth filters makes them particularly suited for clear, low turbidity water.