A UV Water Sterilization System is a great line of defence against microorganisms, like germs and bacteria, that live in water and are not visible to the naked eye. Using UV light to destroy pathogens is an effective and chemical-free way to sterilize water for safer drinking and daily water use.
The system consists of a chamber that has a UV lamp inside. As water passes through the chamber, the lamp emits a wavelength of germicidal UV light, which destroys the genetic code of living organisms, preventing them from functioning, reproducing, and further infecting the water supply. Any living organisms are killed within 10 seconds so that the water from your taps is safer, cleaner and healthier.
What does UV Water Sterilization remove?
UV Water Sterilization is a proven technology that can kill up to 99% of waterborne pathogens like Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E.Coli, and Fecal Coliform. E. coli, Vibrio cholera, Salmonella typhi, Shigella sonnei, Hepatitis A virus, Poliovirus Type 1, and Rotavirus SA11.
It’s important to note that UV Water Sterilization Systems only remove living organisms. The system does not remove waste or contaminants like pesticides, fluoride, rust or arsenic. Because it doesn’t alter the water chemistry, your water won’t smell or taste different after treatment. If you have issues with the smell and taste of your water, you may need to install additional filtration systems before installing a UV Sterilization System.
Do I need a UV Water Sterilization System?
People who live in rural areas and get their water from private wells can definitely benefit from installing a UV Water Sterilization System. Unlike city water, which is monitored and treated before being pumped into your home, well water can sometimes have a foul or funky smell and taste due to the possible presence of bacteria and other water-contaminating microorganisms. UV Water Systems should only be used in clear or slightly hazy water, so a UV system will not be effective if your well water is muddy, murky or discoloured. The best way to know if you need a UV Water Sterilization System is to bring in a sample from your well to do a water test.
People who rely on town water can also benefit from a UV Water Sterilization System. Municipal water quality can be affected by events like floods or accidents. Also, certain microorganisms are resistant to the chlorine added to city water. If you live in an area that sometimes has boil advisories, then a UV Water Sterilization System can help avoid consuming contaminated water.
Which UV System Do I Need?
This all depends on the size of your home and where you get your water from, i.e. from a municipal water source or a private well. The size of the UV system is very important because it needs to match your water flow rate. The water must have enough time to be exposed to UV light to be effective. If you install an improperly sized UV system for your property, untreated water can get past the sterilizer and into your home’s drinking water. This is why it is best to consult a professional, like Watermaker, to test your home’s water and determine which UV system is suitable for the water flow rate on your property.
Pros of UV Water Sterilization Systems
There are a lot of different water treatment systems out there, depending on your needs. Each system has different pros and cons. Here are some of the main pros to installing a UV Water Sterilization System:
- No chemicals are involved, as UV light is the only treatment process, making it an eco-friendly choice
- The UV light in the chamber is energy efficient because it has a similar wattage to a normal light bulb
You don’t need to clean the system or replace dirty filters - Maintenance is simple: the bulb should be replaced once a year, and the glass sleeve every two years
- You get clean water immediately because the water doesn’t stay in a holding tank
- The system is very affordable, and installation is simple
A UV Water Sterilization System can be combined with other options like complete water treatment and filtration systems. For example, if you have a filtration system for your well water and a water softener, then the UV Sterilization System will be the last thing your water passes through on its way to your taps. It acts as one last line of defence. Therefore, UV systems work very well with other complementary treatment systems you may have installed in your home.
We all want clean, safe, delicious water for drinking, cooking, bathing and cleaning. Contact Watermaker today to consult with us about your water concerns, and we’ll help you figure out which water treatment systems work best for you.
