An ultraviolet (UV) water purifier system applies germicidal light on the UV-C spectrum to scramble the DNA of waterborne microorganisms to render them infertile. The most dangerous aspect of any harmful microorganism is its ability to replicate quickly and cause illness and disease. In this way, UV purification nullifies the health risks of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and cysts. In this article, we will take a look at how this system works to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Understanding UV Water Purification
The UV radiation used for water purification is at the 254 nm wavelength which will disrupt the DNA of pathogenic microorganisms. The UV dosage is delivered by a UV light that shines into the incoming water through a quartz sleeve. This will treat a wide variety of microbial health threats, including giardia, cryptosporidium, E. coli, hepatitis B, streptococcus, dysentery bacilli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fungi, certain viruses, cholera, and more. But, it’s important to understand that UV water purification will not remove chemicals, heavy metals, minerals, and other contaminants that can degrade the water quality. For this reason, UV purification is typically used alongside and in series with other water treatment systems that complement each other.
3 Key UV Purification Components
There are three key components in a UV water purification system. They are:
1. The UV Lamp
The UV lamp runs with mercury vapor that’s suspended in small beads that you may see rolling around inside the lamp. This lamp emits UV-C radiation to deactivate living organisms that may be lurking in the water supply.
2. The Quartz Sleeve
This is a highly transparent and fragile glass tube that is the housing for the UV lamp. This sleeve must be kept clean to maximize the penetration of UV-C rays into the water. The quartz sleeve also keeps the UV lamp separate from the water because water does not mix well with electrical power.
3. The O-Rings
Depending on the specific UV purification system there are one or two o-rings that securely seal the entire system together.
Is the UV Water Purifier Safe to Use?
Yes. no harmful chemicals are added to the drinking water which makes it very safe to consume. Although UV-C light is harmful to people, you are in no danger unless you touch the UV bulb while it’s turned on, which is highly unlikely.
Is a UV Water Purifier Effective?
The UV purification process will deactivate 99.99% of living organisms in the water. But, it’s not a filter and it will not remove other harmful contaminants, such as chemicals, heavy metals, dissolved minerals, and more. The UV purification stage is usually at the end of a series of water treatment systems that are designed to remove specific contaminants. A pre-filter will remove dirt and debris, a water softener removes dissolved minerals and a filtration system will remove many other contaminants. The exact treatment systems required will vary depending on the condition of your water supply.
If you want to install a UV water purifier in your home, contact your local water treatment specialist today.
By EcoWater Systems.
EcoWater Systems of Nebraska is the largest water treatment company in the state and is a member of Water Quality Association.