Before you start
Gather the appropriate supplies and review the specific equipment manual.
- Watermaker manual
- Calibrated salinity or TDS meter
- Product-water diversion procedure
Step-by-step instructions
Identify the safe-water criteria
Find the membrane maker and watermaker product-water limits, instruments and any automatic diversion behavior.
Check the first water separately
Many systems require initial product water to go overboard until conductivity or quality stabilizes after startup.
Use a known-good meter
Follow the instrument calibration and sampling method. A faulty meter can mislead you about product-water quality.
Investigate unexpected readings
Higher salinity can relate to pressure, temperature, membrane damage or sampling contamination. Capture operating data before changing settings.
Divert questionable output
Keep unsuitable water out of potable tanks and arrange service or testing when results remain abnormal.
Safety note
Do not use unsafe product water for drinking. Never bypass a water-quality diversion valve merely to fill a tank faster.
Key takeaway
Good tasting water is not proof of acceptable salinity or microbiological safety.
Keep this job on your maintenance schedule
Save the topic as a maintenance task, choose a due date or engine-hour target, and record future service. Free and stored on your device.
Add to my maintenance plannerThis guide is for general education. Follow your equipment manufacturer’s instructions, current navigation guidance and applicable marine safety standards. When uncertain, use a qualified marine professional.