WO2019161334A1

WO2019161334A1 - Water quality and treatment in dental treatment systems

Info

Publication number: WO2019161334A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/018420
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Thomas St. Louis; Charles Json KELLER; Michael Carl DUNAWAY; Mitchell James RUTLEDGE; Douglas Gordon Knight; Matteo Riccardo BOSISIO
Original assignee: Kavo Dental Technologies, Llc
Priority date: 2018-02-19
Filing date: 2019-02-18
Publication date: 2019-08-22

Abstract

A system for determining water quality. The system is a dental treatment system including a water source, a point-of-use of water, and a water quality determination system. The water quality determination system includes a physical parameter sensor positioned at a first location between the water source and the point-of-use of water, a water quality sensor positioned at the first location between the water source and the point-of-use of water, and an electronic controller electrically connected to the physical parameter sensor and the water quality sensor. The electronic controller is configured to receive, from the physical parameter sensor, physical parameter data of water, receive, from the water quality sensor, water quality data, compare the physical parameter data and water quality data to a water quality threshold, and, if the water quality data exceeds the water quality threshold, perform at least one action indicating that the water quality threshold has been exceeded.

Description

WATER QUALITY AND TREATMENT IN DENTAL TREATMENT SYSTEMS

[0001] Embodiments relate to systems and methods for determining water quality in dental treatment systems.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, dental facilities have faced concerns with water safety, especially with water used with dental tools (for example, a water pick). In particular, water quality issues and infection rates from contaminated water (water having bacteria or other harmful organic compounds) have caused frustration for dental facilities.

SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, a system and method for determining water quality in a dental treatment system is needed.

[0004] One embodiment provides a water quality determination system for use with a dental treatment system that includes a water source and a point-of-use of water. The water quality determination system includes a first sensor configured to sense water quality data. The first sensor is positioned between the water source and the point-of-use of water. An electronic controller is electrically connected to the first sensor. The electronic controller is configured to receive, from the first sensor, water quality data, compare the water quality data to a water quality threshold, and, if the water quality data exceeds the water quality threshold, perform at least one action indicating that the water quality threshold has been exceeded.

[0005] In some embodiments, the system also includes a reservoir, and the first sensor is positioned to determine water quality data of water in the reservoir.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, the first sensor is located at a first location and is a first type of sensor. The system also includes a second sensor located at the first location. The second sensor is a second type of sensor that is different from the first type of sensor. The electronic controller is configured to determine a water quality based on water quality data from the first sensor and the second sensor. [0007] Yet another embodiment provides a method for determining water quality in a water quality and treatment system. The method includes receiving, with an electronic controller, water quality data, comparing, with the electronic controller, the water quality data to a water quality threshold, and, if the water quality data exceeds the water quality threshold, performing at least one action indicating that the water quality threshold has been exceeded.

[0008] Other aspects, features, and embodiments will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a water quality and treatment system for use with a dental treatment unit.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic controller according to one embodiment.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a system architecture diagram illustrating a water quality and treatment system according to one embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of determining a water quality according to one embodiment.

[0013] Fig. 5 illustrates decisional logic related to actions that may be taken in response to determining water quality according to one embodiment.

[0014] Fig. 6 illustrates a dental treatment unit having a water quality and treatment system that includes a reservoir according to one embodiment.

[0015] Fig. 7 illustrates a water quality and treatment system suitable for use with multiple dental treatment units according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are not intended to be limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Embodiments are capable of other configurations and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0017] A plurality of hardware and software based devices, as well as a plurality of different structural components may be used to implement various embodiments. In addition,

embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be illustrated and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description, would recognize that, in at least one embodiment, the electronic based aspects of the invention may be implemented in software (for example, stored on non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more electronic processors. For example,“control units” and“controllers” described in the specification can include one or more electronic processors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), other circuits, one or more memories including non-transitory computer-readable media, one or more input/output interfaces, and various connections (for example, wires, busses, printed traces, and wireless connections) connecting the various components.

[0018] Fig. 1 illustrates a water quality and treatment system 100 according to one embodiment. In the description that follows, the water quality and treatment system 100 is described with respect to a dental operatory and one or more dental treatment units (described in more detail below). However, the water quality and treatment system 100 may have uses outside of dentistry, particularly in systems where water is used in conjunction with providing medical care or treatments to patients.

[0019] In the example illustrated, the water quality and treatment system 100 includes a water supply or source 105, and points-of-use 110-113 (for example, a counter faucet, a treatment unit faucet, and one or more dental handpieces, and/or dental tools). The water quality and treatment system 100 also includes a plurality of primary sensors 115-119 located at primary positions H5a-l l9a, a junction box 120, a post-mounted unit 125, a secondary sensor 130, and connective plumbing 135.

[0020] The water quality and treatment system 100 is shown as being part of a larger dental operatory that includes a dental treatment unit 175. Among other components, the dental treatment unit 175 includes a patient chair 177, a dentist delivery unit 179 for holding dental handpieces or dental tools and delivering water to the dental handpieces or tools, an arm- mounted light 181, a dental assistant delivery unit 183 including post-mounted shelves and trays for holding dental handpieces or tools and delivering water to the dental handpieces or tools, and other components. The dentist delivery unit 179 and the dental assistant deliver unit 183 are connected by piping or hoses to the post-mounted unit 125.

[0021] The water source 105 may be a water pipe in a building or a similar source of water suitable for supplying water needs in a dental operatory or to multiple dental operatories of a dental practice designed to treat multiple patients. When the water source 105 is a water pipe or plumbing system, the water quality and treatment 100 system may be referred to as having a “direct feed setup.” In other examples, the water source may be one or more bottles of water. In one example, a detachable water bottle configured to be attached to a portion of the dental treatment unit 175 is used. For example, the water bottle may be attachable to the dentist delivery unit 179, the dental assistant delivery unit 183, and the like. These components may contain pipes, tubes, or other means for delivery of water from the detachable water bottle to the dental treatment unit 175. When the water source 105 is one or more bottles of water, the water quality and treatment system may be referred to as having a“bottle setup.” The use of a water reservoir (sometimes referred to as a“reservoir setup) is described in greater detail below.

Regardless of its exact configuration, the water source 105 provides water to the water quality and treatment system 100. In some embodiments, the water quality and treatment system 100 includes plumbing or one or more drains for removing water that has been used from the water quality and treatment system 100. For example, drains may be located at the one or more points- of-use 110-113. In some embodiments, a filter, a disinfector (for example, an ultraviolet light disinfector) or chemical treatment component, represented as filter/disinfector 107, may be incorporated with or included in line with the water source 105.

[0022] As noted, points-of-use 110-113 include, for example, faucets and associated sinks, dental handpieces, dental tools, or in the piping or hose that connects the dentist delivery unit 179 and the dental assistant delivery unit 183 to the post-mounted unit 125. In general, a point- of-use is any portion or component of the water quality and treatment system 100 where water is consumed or used. By the time water reaches the points-of-use 110-113 in the water quality and treatment system 100, the water should not contain harmful levels of bacteria, pathogens, organic solids, or other contaminants. The positions at which the sensors 115 and 119 are located are chosen so that the sensors may measure or sense information used to determine water quality before the water is used at one of the points-of-use 110-113.

[0023] The primary sensors 115-119 may be configured to sense or measure bacteria, pathogens, organic solids, and the like. In some embodiments, multiple different types of sensors are used to permit Chemometric analysis (described in more detail below). In some embodiments, instead of individual sensors 115-119, a plurality or group of sensors (for example, two sensors) are located at the same of or similar locations as the sensors 115-119.

Each group includes at least two different types of sensors.

[0024] One type of sensor measures dissolved solids in the water. An ultraviolet (UV) sensor, for example, a UV-Vis spectrophotometer measures the intensity of light passing through or reflected by a sample in the ultraviolet spectral region, and compares it to the intensity of light before it passes through the sample. The intensity of reflection or transmission of a solution can be related to bacteria content/concentration. While absorption spectroscopy generally has a low sensitivity to bacteria, it can measure dissolved organic solids in water that can act as nutrients for bacteria and therefore act as an indirect proxy measurement for bacteria and for overall water quality.

[0025] Another type of sensor measures suspended solids in water. For example, turbidity sensors measure the attenuation of light through water and provide an indication of the amount of dispersed suspended solids (for example silt, clay, algae, bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa) that obstruct the transmittance of light through water. Turbidity may be determined by measuring the total attenuation of light through a column (using a wavelength where the water itself is transparent), or by measuring the scattered light produced by solid particles. Turbidity is an internationally recognized criterion for assessing water quality. Turbidity indicates overall water quality and serves as a surrogate measurement for other harmful factors or contaminants, for example suspended solids, dissolved solids, bacteria, pesticides, and metals contained in the water. [0026] Information from sensors that sense dissolved and suspended solids or, more broadly, from two different types of sensors, can also be used to provide an indication of the effectiveness of filters or other filtration components. The measurement may also provide an indication of the product or effective life of filtration components.

[0027] A Chemometric analysis (which is the science of extracting information from chemical systems through data-driven techniques) may be employed using information from the water quality sensors. In one embodiment, changes in bacteria content are monitored without directly measuring for bacteria. Information from different types of sensors are analyzed to produce several different water quality measurement parameters to use as proxy measurements for changes in bacteria concentration.

[0028] Finally, with the current advancement rate of technology for measuring bacteria, it is likely that bacteria detection sensors that can directly and accurately measure bacteria concentration in a solution will be available in the near future. Thus, in some embodiments, such sensors may be deployed. A measurement of the amount of bacteria or other pathogens within a solution provides an indication of contamination and the effectiveness of treatment mechanisms, for example UV and chemical disinfectors and treatments. A change in bacteria or other pathogen concentration can also be determined using information provided by bacteria detection sensors.

[0029] Any one of the previously mentioned sensors determines water quality data and is considered a water quality sensor. Other types of water quality sensors may be used, such as hardness sensors.

[0030] However, other types of sensors could also be used. For example, physical parameter sensors can be any of the primary sensors 115-119. Physical parameter sensors gather physical parameter data of the water. For example, the physical parameter sensors may be flow rate sensors, water pressure sensors, volume sensors, temperature sensors, pH sensors, and the like.

[0031] One of the primary positions 1 l9a is located within the junction box 120 The junction box 120 provides an interface between the patient chair 177 to a floor-located utilities, for example, electrical power, computer network interfaces, a source of compressed air, and a source of water or part of the plumbing of the water quality and treatment system 100. The junction box houses pipes, tubing, and cabling supporting the delivery of these utilities to the components of the dental treatment unit 175.

[0032] The water quality and treatment system 100 also includes an electronic controller 140. The electronic controller 140 is communicatively connected to the primary sensors 115-119 placed at the primary positions 1 l5a-l l9a and the secondary sensor 130. The electronic controller 140 is configured to receive data and measurements from each of the sensors.

[0033] The electronic controller 140 is illustrated in greater detail in Fig. 2. In the example shown, the electronic controller 140 includes an input-output interface 205, an electronic processor 210 (for example, a programmable electronic microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a similar device), and a memory 215 (for example, non-transitory, machine-readable memory).

The electronic processor 210 is communicatively coupled to the memory 215 and the input- output interface 205. The electronic processor 210, in coordination with software stored in the memory 215 and the input-output interface 205, is configured to implement, among other things, the methods described herein.

[0034] The electronic controller 140 may also be communicatively coupled to one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 220 and/or a display device 225. The display device 225 may be a computer screen, a television screen, a touch screen, and the like.

[0035] It is to be understood that the electronic controller 140 may include a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operation control, and protection to the components and modules within the electronic controller 140 that are not described herein.

[0036] The electronic controller 140 may be implemented in several independent controllers (for example, programmable electronic control units) each configured to perform specific functions or sub-functions. Additionally, the electronic controller 140 may contain sub-modules that include additional electronic processors, memory, or application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”) for handling input/output functions, processing of signals, and application of the methods described below. In other embodiments, the electronic controller 140 includes additional, fewer, or different components. [0037] Fig. 3 illustrates a system architecture 300 of the water quality and treatment system 100 according to one embodiment. The system architecture 300 illustrates how water flows through the water quality and treatment system 100 and how water quality is sensed and water treatment is controlled.

[0038] Water enters the water quality and treatment system 100 from the water source 105 (at block 305). The water may be filtered by a filter or other filtration component at the water source 105 as described above.

[0039] Water quality of the water from the water source 105 is, optionally, measured by an optional sensor (for example, secondary sensor 130) at an optional sensor location, for example, the secondary sensor location l30a (block 310). When implemented, the secondary sensor 130 senses initial water quality data or physical parameter data (as described above) and sends the data to the electronic controller 140. The electronic controller 140 determines an initial water quality and stores the initial water quality in the memory 215.

[0040] The water is then sent through the plumbing 135 throughout the water quality and treatment system and treated by various disinfectors and filtration components (as described above) (block 315). For example, the water is treated to kill, remove, or reduce bacteria, pathogens, and other harmful material in the water before reaching the points-of-use 110-113. In some embodiments, water is collected in a storage tank after it is received from the water source 105 and treated in the storage tank before flowing through to the rest of the water quality and treatment system 100.

[0041] After being treated, water quality data and/or physical parameter data is sensed or measured by main sensors, for example, the primary sensors 115-119 (block 320). The sensors measure water quality after treatment. The sensors generate water quality data and/or physical parameter data and send the data to the electronic controller 140. In embodiments that include the secondary sensor 130, the electronic controller 140 compares an initial water quality

(determined based on information or data from the secondary sensor 130) to a second water quality (determined based on information or data from the primary sensors 115-119). The comparison is used to determine a difference in the untreated water (the initial water quality data) and the treated water (the second water quality data). [0042] After the primary sensors 115-119 measure the water quality data or the physical parameter data, the water is delivered to the points-of-use 110-113 (block 325). The water may be output in response to an actuation of a mechanical element (for example, turning a faucet knob, depressing a foot pedal, and the like).

[0043] Fig. 4 illustrates an example method 400 for determining water quality using the water quality and treatment system 100. In the example explained below, the method 400 is carried out by the electronic controller 140 by, for example, executing software instructions.

[0044] The method 400 includes receiving, by the electronic controller 140, physical parameter data from a physical parameter sensor and receiving, by the electronic controller 140, water quality data from a water quality sensor (at block 405). The physical parameter data may include a flow rate, temperature, or water pressure in the water. The water quality data may include an amount of dissolved or suspended solid in the water. When equipped with appropriate sensors, the water quality data may also include an amount of bacteria in the water or, perhaps, an amount of pathogens in the water. As noted, the electronic controller 140 receives physical parameter data and water quality data from the secondary sensor 130, the one or more of the primary sensors 115-119, or combination of these sensors. As also noted, multiple different types of sensors may be located at the sensor positions l30a and 115 a- 1 l9a to support a Chemometric analysis of the water quality.

[0045] In some embodiments, the electronic controller 140 saves the water quality determinations in the memory 215. For example, if it is desired to track water quality over a period of time, the electronic controller 140 may save a determined water quality and a timestamp for the determined water quality. This allows for the electronic controller 140 to compare water quality at various times.

[0046] The method 400 also includes comparing, by the electronic controller 140, the determined water quality to a water quality threshold (at block 410). For example, if the water quality data includes an amount of suspended solid in the water, the electronic controller 140 may compare the total suspended solids (“TSS”), with units of milligrams of solid per liter of water, to a TSS threshold. The TSS threshold may define an acceptable amount of residual solids that may be in the water (for example, based on a federal regulation codifying how many milligrams of solid per liter is allowable in the water before being considered unlawful).

[0047] If the water quality is above the water quality threshold, the electronic controller 140 performs at least one action indicating that the water quality threshold has been exceeded (at block 420). Examples of actions taken by the electronic controller 140 are described below.

[0048] Fig. 5 illustrates examples of decisional logic implemented by and actions that may be taken by the electronic controller 140 in response to determining that the water quality is above the water quality threshold.

[0049] In one example, if the electronic controller 140 determines that the water quality exceeds the water quality threshold, the electronic controller 140 generates a signal to create a visual output, for example, a signal sent to one or more quality indicator lights, for example, light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) (such as LEDs 220). The LEDs 220 may be associated with a control panel of the dental treatment unit, a control panel in the dental operatory, one or more of the primary or secondary sensors, or one or more dental handpieces or dental tools, for example (at block 510). The quality indicator lights provide an indication to a user, for example, of a dental tool, that the water quality is not high enough for use with patients. Colored quality indicator lights may be used where one color (for example, green) indicates sufficient water quality, and another color (for example, red) indicates insufficient water quality. Of course, more detailed information may be presented, for example, by generating text information on a screen (such as the display device 225). The text or report information may include specific information regarding the water quality, for example, water quality being .8 grams of solids per liter and the water quality threshold being .75 grams of solids per liter.

[0050] In another example, if the electronic controller 140 determines that the water quality data exceeds the water quality threshold, the electronic controller 140 may send a signal providing a product life or maintenance indicator to the display device 225 (at block 520). For example, the electronic controller 140 may determine (from the secondary sensor 130 and primary sensors 115-119, in one embodiment) that a filtering element at the water source 105 is no longer performing effectively (e.g., not filtering out solids). For example, the secondary sensor 130 is placed before the filter/disinfector 107 and the primary sensors 115-119 are placed after the filter/disinfector 107. The secondary sensor 130 and the primary sensors 115-119 send water quality data to the electronic controller 140. The electronic controller 140 then compares the water quality data. If the difference is below a water quality difference threshold (for example, the water quality data from the secondary sensor 130 and the water quality data from the primary sensors 115-119 indicate the same amount of suspended solids in the water), the electronic controller 140 determines that the filter/disinfector 107 is not working correctly and requires maintenance or replacement.

[0051] The electronic controller 140 may send a signal to the display device 225 indicating that the filtering component needs to be replaced. In some embodiments, the electronic controller 140 may send a signal to a computer screen indicating a length of time certain components (for example, filtering components) have to operate before needing to be replaced.

[0052] In some embodiments, the electronic controller 140 also determines, based upon the water quality data, a water treatment procedure or custom treatment solution to reduce contaminants (at block 530). If the water quality data includes a type of solid suspended in the water (for example, the primary sensors 115-119 or the secondary sensor 130 determines that a high level of phosphates is present in the water), the electronic controller 140 determines that a specific type of filter or chemical treatment is needed to improve the water quality. The electronic controller 140 generates an output providing the specific type of filter or chemical treatment to a display device to inform a dentist or dental assistant of the specific treatment procedure needed for treating the water. The electronic controller 140, in one embodiment, recommends products compatible with the water quality and treatment system 100. Compatible products may be products manufactured or distributed by the same manufacturer as the dental treatment system.

[0053] Rather than or in addition to providing information regarding a treatment procedure, the electronic controller 140 may trigger or carry out, based upon the water quality, a specific water treatment (at block 540). For example, the water quality and treatment system 100 may include filtration components or chemical treatment components that are only activated if the water quality exceeds the water quality threshold. [0054] If the water quality exceeds the threshold, the electronic controller 140 sends signals to the filtration components and/or chemical treatment components to activate and filter or chemically treat the water to improve water quality. For example, if a specific solid is detected in the water, the electronic controller 140 sends a signal to activate a filter component to begin filtering the water.

[0055] The electronic controller 140 may be configured to store water quality data and determinations in the memory 215. For example, the electronic controller 140 may store the water quality data for a period of time (for example, store water quality data for an entire day) in the memory 215. The electronic controller 140 may use the stored data to create hygiene history reports, compliance reports, and/or supply water history reports (block 550). For example, to create a report regarding the history of water quality of the water supply, the electronic controller 140 accesses the stored water quality data for a certain period of time (for example, a week, a month, a year, and the like) to determine how water quality has changed (improved, deteriorated, and the like) over the period of time. The electronic controller 140 may be configured to send a signal to provide these reports on the display device 225.

[0056] In some embodiments, the blocks 510-540 are performed simultaneously. In other embodiments, the blocks 510-540 are performed in different orders and in other combinations (for example, blocks 510 and 540 may be performed and blocks 520 and 530 may not be performed).

[0057] Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the water quality and treatment system 100 including a valve 605, a reservoir 610, and a sensor 615. The water quality and treatment systemlOO, in this embodiment, includes water source 105, points-of-use 110-113, primary sensors 115-119, junction box 120, the post-mounted unit 125, the secondary sensor 130, the plumbing 135, and the electronic controller 140 as described in Fig. 1.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the electronic controller 140 is electronically coupled to the valve 605 and the sensor 615, and the valve 605 connects the reservoir 610 to the water quality and treatment systemlOO. The electronic controller 140 is configured to send a signal to open and close the valve 605 and allow water from the water quality and treatment system 100 to flow into and out of the reservoir 610. For example, the electronic controller 140 actuates the valve 605 based upon a timer. By actuating the valve 605 based upon the timer, water can be sampled from the water quality and treatment system 100 at different times, allowing for ongoing water quality of the water to be monitored.

[0059] The sensor 615 is configured to sense water quality data (in a similar manner to primary sensors 115-119 or the secondary sensor 30) within the reservoir 610. By using the sensor 615 to sense data indicative of the quality of the water in the reservoir 610, is not necessary to use the primary sensors 115-119 or the secondary sensor 130 in the water quality and treatment system 100. The electronic controller 140 may receive the water quality data from the sensor 615 and then proceed to perform the method 400 and take actions (for example, at blocks 510-540 of Fig. 5) based upon the water quality data received from the sensor 615.

[0060] The water quality and treatment system 100 may be configured to provide water to multiple dental chairs and monitor the water supply for water quality for each of the dental chairs. For example, Fig. 7 illustrates how the water quality and treatment systemlOO may provide water to multiple dental chairs according to one embodiment. The water quality and treatment systemlOO, in this embodiment, receives water from the water source 105 and proceeds to treat the water and monitor water quality data using sensors (at block 702). For example, the primary sensor positions 115-119 and secondary sensor position 130 may be located between the water source 105 and the rest of the water quality and treatment systemlOO, and treatment components (for example, filter components or chemical components) may also be located in between the water source 105 and the rest of the water quality and treatment systemlOO.

[0061] The water quality and treatment system 100 may include a circulation pump 705 and dental chairs 710-712. The circulation pump 705 is configured to pump water continuously throughout the water quality and treatment systemlOO. The dental chairs 710-712 receive the water, and the water is used by dental instruments associated with each of the dental chairs 710- 712. Water may further be pumped back to treatment components and monitoring components after being circulated to each dental chair 710-712.

[0062] By pumping the water continuously using the circulation pump 705 to the dental chairs 710-712, the amount of dead water (i.e., water that simply sits in one place) that can lose disinfectant chemicals, pick up harmful organic carbons from the tubing 135, or grow biofilms by being stagnant is decreased. Further, as the water circulates, water quality data can be obtained for water downstream of the treatment and monitoring components without needing sensors in the dental chairs 710-712. The water quality and treatment systemlOO may also be able to treat water when water quality data exceeds the water quality threshold by continuously pumping water through treatment components using the circulation pump 705.

[0061] Thus, the embodiments described herein provide, among other things, a system and method for determining water quality and treating water. Various features and advantages of various embodiments are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A water quality determination system for use with a dental treatment system that includes a water source and a point-of-use of water, the water quality determination system comprising:

a physical parameter sensor positioned at a first location between the water source and the point-of-use of water,

a water quality sensor positioned at a second location between the water source and the point-of-use of water, and

an electronic controller electrically connected to the physical parameter sensor and the water quality sensor and configured to

receive, from the physical parameter sensor, physical parameter data of water,

receive, from the water quality sensor, water quality data;

compare the physical parameter data and water quality data to a water quality threshold, and,

if the water quality data exceeds the water quality threshold, perform at least one action indicating that the water quality threshold has been exceeded.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising

a reservoir, and wherein the physical parameter sensor and the water quality sensor are positioned to determine physical parameter data and water quality data of water in the reservoir.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water source is one selected from the group consisting of a plumbing system and a detachable water bottle.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein Chemometric analysis is performed based upon the water quality data from the water quality sensor.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water quality sensor is at least one sensor type selected from the group of sensor types consisting of a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, a bacteria sensor, a hardness sensor, and a turbidity sensor.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a filtering component, and wherein at least one of the physical parameter and the water quality data includes an effectiveness of the filtering component.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one action is selected from the group of actions consisting of creating a visual output, generating text information on a display device, providing a product life or maintenance indicator on the display device, providing an indication that a filtering component needs to be replaced, determining a water treatment procedure or custom treatment solution to reduce contaminants, and triggering a specific water treatment.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to store the physical parameter data and the water quality data in a memory.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to create at least one report selected from the group of reports consisting of a hygiene history report, a compliance report, and a supply water history report from the stored water quality data.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second physical parameter sensor located at the second location, wherein the second location is different from the first location.

11. The system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the physical parameter data received from the first physical parameter sensor and physical parameter data received from the second physical parameter sensor is compared to determine a difference.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the water quality threshold is a difference threshold and the difference is compared to the water quality threshold to determine if the water quality threshold has been exceeded.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic controller is further configured to recommend a product for treating the water if the water quality threshold is exceeded.

14. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first location and the second location are the same location in the dental treatment system.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first location and the second location are two different locations in the dental treatment system.

16. A dental treatment system comprising a dentist delivery unit, a dental assistant delivery unit, a water source, a point-of-use of water, and a water quality determination system as claimed in any of claims 1-15 and being provided to the dentist delivery unit or to the dental assistant delivery unit or to both delivery units.

17. A method of determining water quality in a dental treatment system, the method comprising:

receiving, with an electronic controller, physical parameter data from a physical parameter sensor, wherein the physical parameter sensor is located at a first location;

receiving, with the electronic controller, water quality data from a water quality sensor, wherein the water quality sensor is located at a second location;

comparing, with the electronic controller, the physical parameter data and the water quality data to a water quality threshold; and,

if the water quality data exceeds the water quality threshold, performing, with the electronic controller, at least one action indicating that the water quality threshold has been exceeded.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further comprising

receiving, with the electronic controller, second physical parameter data from a second physical parameter sensor and

comparing, with the electronic controller, the physical parameter data from the physical parameter sensor and the second physical parameter data from the second physical parameter sensor to determine a difference.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the water quality threshold is a difference threshold and the determined difference is compared to the water quality threshold to determine if the water quality threshold has been exceeded.

20. The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the physical parameter sensor is at least one selected from a group consisting of a flow rate sensor, a pressure sensor, a volume sensor, a temperature sensor, and a pH sensor.

21. The dental treatment system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the water quality sensor is located in piping or hose extending between a post-mounted unit and the dental assistant delivery unit, in piping or hose extending between the post-mounted unit and the dentist delivery unit, or in piping or hose extending between both the post-mounted unit and the dental assistant delivery unit and the post-mounted unit and the dentist delivery unit.