UV Water

We have all seen the electromagnetic spectrum when looking at the colors of visible light from a rainbow in the sky after a rainstorm. UV used for Water Disinfection is invisible light with a frequency just below the visible spectrum. The germicidal wavelength or the frequency in the ultraviolet spectrum that best inactivates micro-organisms, mold spores and viral contaminants is centered on 254 nanometers (nm). This area is most commonly referred as UVC energy.

The germicidal energy of ultraviolet light at 254nm destroys illness-causing micro-organisms by attacking their genetic core (DNA). This powerful dose of UV light eliminates their ability to reproduce.Water is purified by running it through a watertight chamber that contains an ultraviolet lamp. As water flows past the ultraviolet lamp, microorganisms are exposed to a lethal dose of germicidal UV energy. 99.99 percent of those organisms, including E coli, Cryptosporidium and Giardia, are destroyed. (see UV dose requirements).UV is a Safe and Proven MethodPurifying water with ultraviolet is a safe process, that does not add any chemicals, is environmentally-friendly, does not alter the taste or odor of your water, and is simple to maintain, only requiring replacement of your lamp annually.Only UV Fully Protects You From Bacteria and Viruses. Of the four primary modes of disinfection, only UV handles chlorine – resistant cysts, (Cryptosporidium and Giardia – cause gastrointestinal complications). Simple water filtration (in-line cartridges) are not effective against bacteria, viruses and other harmful microorganisms. Reverse Osmosis (R/O) is not recommended for water that is microbiologically unsafe.Incident Energies Required For Micro-Organisms DestructionThe average ultraviolet systems produces incident energies ranging from a minimum of 16,000 microwatt seconds per square centimeter (minimum dosage required by US Department of Heath) up to an average of 40,000 at rated flows. Therefore at rated flows, the UV Systems can provide up to a two to three time average safety margin. Please note that the higher the dosage, the better, as more microorganisms are eliminated. You cannot usually oversize an ultraviolet system – the higher the dosage, the better.

Testing yourself would not only be cost prohibitive, but the rule of thumb is to test for bacteria (well owners) at least once a year. Use a certified laboratory for this test – usually cost is around $25.00. Any positive test for bacteria should be a signal to install an ultraviolet system. Simple chlorination of the well is a temporary fix.As for people on city-managed water supplies, boil water advisories are becoming more common (usually well after the bacteria problem has been detected!) Such advisories are a clear warning that the clean water we have taken for granted in our taps is becoming a scarce resource.So why not take charge of the water in your home, and develop your own bacteria safe water plant by installing a UV System today!