Water Education - Air and Health

How does UV Light Water Treatment Work?

What are UV Filters?

UV filters are a type of water filtration system that use ultraviolet light to purify water. They are commonly used in households, as well as in industrial and commercial settings to remove harmful microorganisms from the water supply.

How do UV light filters work?

UV filters work by passing water through a chamber that contains a UV lamp. As the water flows through the chamber, the UV light targets and kills any microorganisms present, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.

What do UV Filters Remove?

One of the main benefits of UV filtration is that it effectively removes harmful microorganisms from the water supply, making it safe to drink. This is particularly important for individuals who may be more susceptible to waterborne illnesses, such as young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

In addition to removing microorganisms, UV filters can also remove other impurities from the water, such as chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals that can have a negative impact on the taste and smell of the water.

Advantages of UV light in water treatment

There are several advantages to using UV filtration. One of the main benefits is that it is a chemical-free way to purify water. Unlike other types of water filtration systems that use chemicals to kill microorganisms, UV filters use light, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

Main benefits of using a UV light in water treatment:

  • Chemical Free: UV purification does not use any chemicals like chlorine or leave any harmful by products.
  • Taste & Odor Free: UV does not add any chemical taste or odor to the water.
  • Extremely Effective: One of the most effective ways to kill disease-causing microbes by destroying 99.99%.
  • Requires very little energy: Uses about the same energy as it would to run a 60 watt light bulb.
  • Low Maintenance: Set and forget type of system, just change the UV bulb annually.

Disadvantages of UV light in water treatment

However, there are also some disadvantages to water treatment with UV light. One of the main disadvantages is that they are not effective at removing dissolved solids, such as heavy metals and minerals, from the water. Additionally, UV filters can be relatively expensive to purchase and operate.

Ultraviolet purification itself does have limitations. This is because the UV radiation is only effective for treating bacteria and viruses. UV light does not work to eliminate some contaminants such as chlorine, heavy metals and VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds). UV systems are often paired with Reverse Osmosis Systems to provide a complete purification process for the safest drinking water.

Are UV filters safe?

When it comes to safety, UV filters are generally considered to be safe for use. However, it is important to note that the UV lamp used in the filter should be handled with care, as it can emit harmful UV rays if misused. Additionally, the UV treated water should not be consumed until it has passed through the UV filter, as the UV light does not make the water safe to drink immediately.

Installation and maintenance

In terms of installation and maintenance, UV filters are relatively easy to install. They can be connected to the main water supply line, and do not require any special tools or equipment.

When it comes to maintenance, it is important to regularly check and replace the UV lamp, as it will lose effectiveness over time. The lamp should be replaced at least once a year, or more frequently if the water supply is heavily contaminated. Additionally, it is important to keep the filter chamber clean to ensure that the UV light can effectively purify the water.

Choosing the Right UV Unit Size

If you draw water from a private water supply it is recommended to treat your entire home. To assure the highest satisfaction, choose the right size (gpm) of UV system that matches your household peak demand flow rate. This is simply a measure of how much water can flow through your main water line if all the water outlets were opened at once.

Number of Bathrooms in Your Home1
Bathroom
2
Bathrooms
3
Bathrooms
4
Bathrooms
5
Bathrooms
6
Bathrooms
Flow Rates
(in gpm)
58.51215.51922.5

Explore the expert quality APEC Multipurpose UV Disinfection Systems for an effective, low maintenance, and environmentally conscious solution for your water needs.

Whole House Water Solution
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