Water may be obtained from several natural sources like streams, dams, and rainwater tanks. However, it may not be suitable for drinking due to its microorganism content, which may pose a serious risk to your health. This is why it is highly recommended that all naturally sourced water should be tested and treated before it can be used for bathing, drinking, food preparation, cooking, or filling swimming pools. Several water treatment systems may be used to treat water, such as UV light disinfection. A UV water sterilizer can effectively remove all forms of microbiological contaminants in water.
What is UV Light and How Does It Kill Microorganisms?
Ultraviolet (UV) light is emitted by the sun and has a wavelength that is between x-rays and visible light, that’s why the naked eye cannot see it. The cellular function of any microorganism will be damaged when exposed to UV light, which effectively kills the pathogen.
Applications
UV water treatment is an effective way to eliminate microbiological contaminants from drinking water. Its purpose is to kill as many harmful pollutants. However, if you want to ensure the reduction of chlorine, heavy metal, VOCs, and other metal contaminants, you need to pair it with other forms of filtration, such as KDF, GAC, or reverse osmosis.
Contaminants Removed by UV
UV is highly effective against viruses, bacteria, molds, algae, and yeasts. No known microorganism is immune to it. However, microorganisms with thick cell walls like Cryptosporidium and Giardia are resistant to low power UV light systems. To kill these microorganisms, you need a UV light disinfection system that is specifically designed to kill them.
Here’s a list of the contaminants UV light can kill.
- Giardia lamblia cysts
- Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts
- Shigella dysenteriae
- E.coli
- Salmonella typhi
- Vibrio cholera
- Shigella sonnei
- Hepatitis A virus
- Legionella pneumophila
- Coxsackie B5 virus
- Poliovirus Type 1
- Rotavirus SA11
- Salmonella enteritidis
The UV light is indeed a powerful and effective way to treat water. However, it’s crucial that you filter the water first before using a UV water sterilizer on it.