Ultraviolet (UV) Water Treatment

Ultraviolet (UV) Water Filters & Treatment Profile:

Establishing a healthy home environment by augmenting your water supply is an easy way to ensure your family’s wellness is a priority. Investing in a UV water treatment system could be an excellent option for those looking to take their water quality to the next level. A UV water filter will transfer water through a compartment that holds a UV lamp. The UV light targets and destroys bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. UV water filtration is a fast, and effective way to purify your drinking water without using chemicals. UV stands for Ultraviolet which is part of the light spectrum. UV light is classified into 3 wavelength ranges:

1. UV-C: 100 nanometers* - 280 nm
2. UV-B: 280 nm - 315 nm
3. UV-A: 315 nm - 400 nm

*A nanometer (nm) is one-billionth of a meter.

What is a UV water purification system?

UV water filters use a UV-C wavelength. UV-C light is germicidal, which means it deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens in water. UV-C destroys living organisms  ability to multiply and cause disease. UV water purifiers will not alter water chemistry, remove taste or odor, and do not add any chemicals to the water.

UV water purification is used in a variety of applications, the most common ones being well water, wastewater treatment, and travel to remote areas. UV disinfection systems are also ideal to have in the event of a boil water advisory because UV water treatment will kill any bacteria that is in the water before it enters your home.

What are the benefits of using ultraviolet light water treatment?

• Non-chemical approach to disinfection
• No by-products
• No-residual odor or taste
• Can be used in portable wastewater applications
• Nothing is added- the process is simple, inexpensive, and requires very low maintenance
• Effective on bacteria, viruses, protozoan, Giardia, and cryptosporidium
• Short contact time (2-10 seconds)

UV light water purifiers should be used in addition to other water filtration systems to provide you with the cleanest water. Ultraviolet water filters are most effective when the water is clear, so having a water filtration system like reverse osmosis or carbon, and ceramic filters before running it through the UV filter is ideal. These water filter systems will act as pre-filter to remove particulates, taste, and odor from your water while UV water filters will destroy any disease-causing organisms that have made their way into your water.

We recommend that you test your water quality first before investing in a UV water filter system. 

What is inside a UV water filter?

A UV water filter system consists of a chamber with a UV lamp inside. The UV lamp is a tube that contains short-wave, low-pressure mercury vapor that projects wavelengths that are lethal to microorganisms. The UV lamp is encased in a quartz sleeve which allows the UV lamp to be submerged in water. UV water filters are installed at the point of entry on the waterline. The size of the unit will vary.

How a UV water purification system works:

1. Water enters the purifier and flows into the annular space between the quartz sleeve and the outside chamber wall.
2. Within the chamber, water is exposed to intense germicidal ultraviolet radiation.
3. Transformer with LED indicator light provides visual indication of germicidal lamp operation.
4. Water leaves the purifier and is instantly ready to use. 

Is UV light purified water safe to drink?

Yes. Water filtered by UV light is safe to drink. Exposure is only dangerous if you touch or look at the UV bulb while it is on.

UV Water Filter Maintenance

UV lamps should be replaced once a year. The mercury vapor inside the lamp will last about 9,000 hours or a little over 365 days. The quartz sleeve should be cleaned when replacing the UV lamp and replaced every 3 years.

If you are looking for home UV water filters, you have come to the right place! We carry a great selection of UV water treatment systems including whole house UV water filters and UV water filtration systems from brands like Trojan UV, Watts UV, and Pura UV. Plus, we are your one-stop-shop for UV water filter replacement parts including UV bulb replacements, replacement quartz sleeves, and more!