Treating water with Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the MOST effective ways to address waterborne microorganisms. 99.99% of all bacteria and viruses in drinking water are destroyed by UV, without the need to add any harsh chemicals.
During the UV water disinfection process, water is exposed to UV light which disrupts the cell structure of the microbe and thus destroys harmful microorganisms, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia.
UV water sterilizers are commonly used by households on well water because coliform and other bacteria are often an issue with well water.
A UV disinfection system can protect household water 24/7. This continual treatment of all water entering the home by UV light disinfection can give a homeowner peace of mind. It also saves the homeowner from repeatedly having to test their water and shock the well with chemicals.
Ever since UVC light was discovered in the 1870s it has been used for disinfecting hard surfaces. In 1908, the French started using it to disinfect the municipal water supply and this started the application of UV water purification.
UV water purification systems are extremely effective at destroying illness-causing microorganisms. The powerful energy from UVC light breaks down DNA at a genetic level, cutting through microorganisms like a knife through butter.
While UV water treatment is often used in industrial processes like aquaculture, petrochemical and marine and shipping, it uses no chemicals, so also finds its place in applications where chlorine disinfection cannot be applied.
So long as the system is correctly sized, UV water purification is capable of destroying 99.9% of microorganisms in water including viruses and pathogenic bacteria. One example of such a virus is COVID-19 which UVC light effectively destroys.
UV disinfection requires no chlorine or biocides. This makes it an ideal substitute where chemicals cannot be applied, like breweries and fish farms. No chemicals also means a safer working environment and fewer ongoing supply costs.
Most water purification systems have internally moving parts. Moving parts experience wear so increase maintenance. UV purification systems have no moving parts. They are self-contained systems with a replaceable UV lamp.
One of the common misconceptions of UV purification is you need a bigger system to treat water to a higher quality. This is not true. You need the correct disinfection dose (mg/cm²) which is determined by UV intensity, not system size. System size determines flow rate.
UV technology is compact and non-intrusive. It can often be retro-fitted to existing treatment systems. Your system can be designed so it takes up no floor space on a wall, or it can be big enough to process over 600 m3/hr.
With a strong enough UVC light source and permeation, UV water purification systems disinfect water with outstanding efficiency. It’s possible to completely disinfect water in one cycle, increasing throughput and volume treated.
UV treatment has no effect on the pH, taste, colour or smell of water. It doesn’t add anything to it like chemical treatment processes do. This makes it ideal for treating potable water as part of a single or multi-stage process.
Not only does UV purification destroy bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, it can also de-chlorinate and de-ozonate water. It can also assist in the removal of TOC and urea to make ultra-pure water (UPW) which is treated to the highest level.
UV dosing can be used in your multi-stage water treatment process or as a standalone treatment to remove bacteria and other microorganisms.