UV water filtration uses artificial ultraviolet light to kill biological contaminants in water. It is considered the safest and most reliable method for eliminating microorganisms. Water passes through a UV bulb, absorbing the rays and altering the genetic material of organisms, eliminating their ability to reproduce. UV water filtration systems are regulated by government organizations and private sector laboratories. There are two types of UV water filtration systems: point-of-entry and point-of-use. UV systems have limitations in killing certain parasites and removing sediment.
Ultraviolet (UV) water filtration is a purification process that uses artificially created ultraviolet light to kill biological contaminants such as pathogens and microorganisms in a water supply. A popular method of disinfecting water, UV filtration is considered the safest and most reliable technique for eliminating microorganisms such as salmonella, coliforms and E. coli. Depending on the need, UV water filtration units can treat a whole water supply or just that used.
During the purification process, the water passes through the rays emitted by a UV bulb enclosed in a translucent protective casing. As the water moves through the flow chamber, it absorbs UV rays. When organisms in the water absorb the rays, their genetic material is altered, eliminating their ability to reproduce. Without the ability to reproduce, the organism is considered dead and its risk eliminated.
There are two terms commonly associated with UV water filtration systems: dosing and UVT. Dosage refers to the amount of ultraviolet energy required to destroy contaminants and microorganisms in the water. According to the industry standard, a frequency of 254 nanometers is used to achieve disinfection. UVT, ultraviolet transmittance, is often used when discussing the amount of UV light required to penetrate water flow.
The regulation of UV water filtration systems is determined and monitored by government organizations, such as the EPA and the Consumer Product and Safety Commission in the United States, and reputable private sector laboratories. NSF International, a non-profit organization, is one of the best-known laboratories for setting standards for domestic water treatment units. All UV filtration units are certified to meet NSF Standard 55, which was specifically written for microbiological ultraviolet water treatment systems.
There are two types of UV water filtration systems commercially available. A point-of-entry system treats water at the source, purifying it before it reaches the tap. The other UV water filter system, called a point of use, is a filter that attaches to your faucet and purifies only the water you use.
Point-of-entry and point-of-use systems, both considered Class A filtration systems, are designed to remove microorganisms and make water safe for consumption. Class B systems are a subset of point-of-use systems employed only for the supplemental use of additional contaminant removal after initial disinfection conducted by a primary filtration system.
Ultraviolet systems have disadvantages. The systems are not sufficient to kill parasites such as Giardiasis duodenalis and Cryptosporidium, both of which come from biological contaminants such as human and animal feces. UV filtration systems are not equipped with the ability to wash away sediment, especially iron. Frequent filter replacements are required unless a secondary filter system is installed to remove sediment.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
