How Do UV Water Filters Work?

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December 20, 2023 4 min read

How Do UV Water Filters Work?

It's common for municipal water users not to give water filtration a second thought and consider the water coming out of their tap safe at all times. However, Boil Water Advisories for municipal water users are becoing more and more common. In 2020 alone, there were over 400 Boil Water Advisories issued throughout the US, leaving entire populations without access to safe drinking water.

Boil Water Advisories are issued when contaminants are either suspected or found in the public water system. Before using tap water for drinking or cooking purposes, it must be boiled for a specified period of time as recommended by local authorities to eliminate harmful bacteria.

UV filters utilize ultraviolet light to eliminate harmful microorganisms and purify water, making them a popular choice for households, industrial facilities, and commercial settings as a type of water filtration system. Ultraviolet filters are useful in a household setting as a both stand-alone filters (depending on hardness mineral levels, or sediment levels in your water) or as a late-stage filtration system paired with a sediment pre filter to filter larger sediment and sand particles or water softener to treat hardness minerals. Your local water report or a water test can help you determine if any pre-filtration is necessary or recommended to pair with your UV system.

How UV Water Filtration Works

UV water treatment systems use special UV lamps that emit UV light at a specific wavelength to damage the cellular function of microorganisms. By neutralizing their DNA and their ability to function and reproduce, microorganisms cannot infect other organisms they come in contact with, disinfecting the water without the use of chemicals that require careful monitoring. Once installed, the UV lamp runs 24/7, constantly purifying the water that passes through it, and only needs minimal annual maintenance to keep running.

The UV Filtration Process

For UV light to effectively disinfect water, it must travel in a straight line without any obstruction or shadow that could reduce its efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to filter the water before it undergoes UV treatment to remove suspended particles like silt and sand. Additionally, hardness minerals in the water can build up on the quartz sleeve, which may require cleaning during lamp changes. If the incoming water is hard, a water softener is recommended as a pretreatment for reducing any buildup.

It is essential to have naturally sourced water professionally tested and treated before using it for drinking, bathing, filling swimming or paddling pools, food preparation, or cooking. Numerous water treatment systems can be used to remove microbiological contaminants that may cause illness, with UV disinfection being an effective, reliable, environmentally friendly, and chemical-free option for most forms of microbiological contamination.

Advantages of UV Water Filtration

UV water filtration has several advantages that make it a popular choice for many households and commercial settings:

Chemical-free process

One of the primary benefits of UV water filtration is that it is a chemical-free process. Unlike other methods of water treatment, UV filtration does not rely on the addition of chemicals like chlorine or other disinfectants to purify the water. This means that the water remains free from any chemical residue and taste, which makes it a safe and healthy option for consumption.

Efficient & Quick Purification

UV filtration purifies the water in seconds. This makes it a convenient and time-saving option for those who need access to clean & safe water at a moment’s notice.

Effective Against a Range of Harmful Microorganisms

UV filtration is effective against a broad range of harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. The UV light damages the cellular function of microorganisms and neutralizes their DNA, preventing them from reproducing and infecting other organisms. This ensures that the water is safe for consumption and free from the risks of waterborne illnesses.

Maintaining a UV Filtration System

Replacing a UV Lamp/Bulb

A crucial component of any UV water treatment system is the ultraviolet lamp, which should be replaced annually to maintain optimal performance and ensure adequate water treatment. The UV light weakens over time, and after approximately 9,000 hours of use, it may not be potent enough to treat the water effectively.

Replacing a Sleeve

The ultraviolet lamp sleeve acts as a protective barrier between the UV lamp and the water. However, the sleeve can become cloudy or accumulate mineral deposits that may affect the performance of the UV system. Therefore, the sleeve should be cleaned every few months to ensure optimal performance. While quartz sleeves can be cleaned and reused, if they crack, break, or become permanently cloudy and cannot be cleaned, they need to be replaced to maintain the efficiency of the UV system.

Reduced Environmental Impact

American-made products tend to have a lower carbon footprint compared to those made in other countries, as they don't have to be transported as far. This also helps cut down on costs, leading to a better price on US products. US made products are also less likely to be impacted by pandemic generated supply chain shortages.

USWF UV Disinfection Systems

USWF UV disinfection systems offer an efficient and cost-effective solution to eliminate microbiological pollutants such as E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia lamblia in residential and light commercial settings with a flow rate of up to 15 gallons per minute depending on each system. These systems are free of harmful chemicals and highly dependable. They are user-friendly, with a bayonet style UV lamp connector that allows easy lamp replacement without the need for any tools. Additionally, the quartz sleeve can be taken out or cleaned without the requirement of draining the UV chamber.

US Water Filters water treatment UV Systems can save you hundreds of dollars when compared to similar name brand systems, all while providing you superior filtration and trustworthy quality to ensure that you are always provided with fresh and clean water.

By purchasing a USWF UV system you're not only getting a high quality UV water treatment, but also added peace of mind that your home’s water is receiving an additional layer of protection.