Including filter system and high-performance HPC Bacteria filter.
HPC bacteria are a wide-ranging group of naturally occurring microorganisms that can show up in household water and inside plumbing. You might also see them called heterotrophic plate count, which refers to the lab method used to estimate overall bacterial growth rather than a single organism. High HPC results often indicate conditions that let bacteria multiply, and Skipper homeowners may notice telltale signs like musty smells, slimy buildup, or faster biofilm around faucets and showerheads.
Levels of heterotrophic plate count can increase when water sits in pipes, when sediments or organic matter provide food, or when plumbing allows biofilm to form. Changes in taste or odor can accompany this kind of general bacterial activity. Although many heterotrophic bacteria aren’t known to cause disease, elevated HPC can still signal that a home's water system needs attention — which is why a whole-house approach in Skipper helps treat water at the point it enters the house and reduces conditions that allow regrowth downstream.
A whole-house ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system is generally the most effective single filter-style option for reducing HPC bacteria throughout a home. UV inactivates microorganisms as water flows through a stainless chamber and is exposed to a UV lamp, treating water in real time without adding chemicals or altering taste. When installed where water enters a Skipper home, a UV system protects every tap, shower, and appliance from microbial activity.
For UV to work reliably, the water feeding the unit must be clear enough for the light to penetrate — heavy sediment, iron, or cloudiness can shield microbes from the lamp. That’s why whole-house UV installations often include prefiltration, with the UV stage itself targeting microorganisms like HPC bacteria. Correct sizing for your home’s flow rate and routine lamp and sleeve maintenance keep the system effective; Mr. Pure Water can assess Skipper plumbing and recommend a properly matched whole-house UV solution to help control heterotrophic plate count at the source.