The quality of drinking water changes from day to day, season to season. Even if your tap water is of good quality today, contaminants can infiltrate wells and aquifers, and aging infrastructure can lead to an increased risk of contamination. In fact, boil water advisories are becoming more common, even in large cities.
Not all water treatment technologies are created equal. For example, chemicals can be dangerous to handle and potentially hazardous to the environment, and some waterborne illness-causing microbes are chlorine-resistant. Reverse osmosis wastes on average three gallons of water for every one gallon it purifies and is no longer recognized as a barrier to microbial contamination. Filters can improve taste, but they generally don’t treat microbial contaminants.
Ultraviolet (UV) is the simple, effective way to treat microbial contaminants in water.
How UV Water Treatment Works
Water is treated as it runs through a stainless-steel chamber that contains a UV lamp. As water flows past the lamp, illness-causing microorganisms receive a lethal dose of UV light that attacks their DNA and eliminates their ability to reproduce, thus deactivating them.
UV effectively treats water without using chemicals. Even chlorine-resistant microorganisms are rendered harmless through UV exposure. The lack of chemical use means no harmful disinfection byproducts go back into the environment, and the taste of the water is not affected in any way.
Benefits of UV Treatment
- Does not use chemicals to treat the water
- Is easy to install and service
- Offers an economical and energy-efficient approach to water treatment
- Addresses a broad range of waterborne pathogens, including bacteria, chlorine-resistant protozoa, and viruses
- Is recognized by public health agencies as an effective means of treating water
Where can UV be used?
Ultraviolet (UV) treatment of drinking water has been growing steadily in popularity, as people search for a simple, effective solution for ensuring their water is protected from microbial contaminants. It can be used everywhere:
- Homes and cottages
- Camps, RVs, and boats
- Schools, daycares, eldercare and healthcare facilities
- Offices and public buildings
- Restaurants, hotels and resorts
- Rainwater harvesting
VIQUA UV Systems
Our UV systems are extremely economical to operate. A typical whole-home system uses the same power as a 40-watt light bulb. Based on the home’s size, the current water quality, and the water source, we can provide a system to meet your needs. To choose the right system, browse our products and then find a dealer near you.
>> Next: The History of UV