The Science of UV Water Purification

You can now implement the power of UV light into your home water filtration system to add an extra layer of protection for you and your family. UV light purification can work in tandem with pre-installed water purification solutions to kill bacteria and organisms that your current system cannot handle.

But understanding the science of UV water purification will help you know if it is right for your home and will dispel common myths about UV light.

How Does UV Light Purify Water?

By exposing your home’s drinking water to UV light, the ultraviolet wavelength emits radiation that is enough to destroy the DNA of bacteria and other microorganisms. With their DNA destroyed, microorganisms cannot reproduce and spread throughout your drinking water.

Does It Kill All Bacteria?

UV purification kills roughly 99.99 percent of microorganisms contaminating your home’s water. Some of the most notable risks that UV treatment eliminates are:

• Salmonella
• Cryptosporidium
• Dysentery bacilli
• Cholera
• E. Coli

Does the Ultraviolet Light Negatively Affect the Water?

While the light does kill bacteria, it does not change the chemical composition of the water. Unlike other methods of removing contaminants from water, such as chlorine treatment, it does not add threatening substances.

Can the UV Light Harm Humans?

Because ultraviolet rays use small amounts of radiation to kill bacteria, long exposure to those same rays can have harmful, negative effects on humans. You can mitigate the risks with the proper use of protective equipment. While there are some risks involved with the handling of UV lights, the FDA has approved ultraviolet purification as a safe and reliable system.

When To Avoid UV Purification

UV light is ideal for killing microorganisms, but there are circumstances when UV light is not enough. A water filter is necessary when you want to install UV purification, as the water filter will remove loose particles and sediments from the water flow. You cannot remove dirt and debris from water through the use of UV light alone.

An Investment That Is Worth It

While there are risks involved with UV light, such as exposure, it is still a safe and reliable method of killing bacteria and eliminating the hazards of infection. Ensure that your system has a working water filtration system that can catch the hazards that the UV light cannot kill.