Home Blog Buyer's Guides Improving Drinking Water Through Ultraviolet Disinfection

Improving Drinking Water Through Ultraviolet Disinfection

por Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated September 15, 2021
The majority of diseases and cancers, as well as a third of all deaths, are attributed to poor water conditions, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These diseases include skin diseases, infectious diseases, digestive diseases, cardiovascular issues, and cancer, just to name a few. When humans consume raw water, they are drinking in a load of heavy waters, sediment, various impurities, organic pollutants, and harmful substances – all of which can be detrimental to overall health.
In our current day and age, people look for the shortest way to solve the world’s problems – including the water crisis. With the introduction of water purification, the issues surrounding the consumption of drinking raw water has nearly been solved. What method brought about this significant change, and how can it be utilized around the world? The introduction of UV light for disinfecting water is an affordable way to provide cleaner drinking water, without the need for extensive equipment.

UV Water Purification Systems

For situations where live microorganisms run rampant throughout water systems, an Ultraviolet, or UV, water purification system utilizes light to remove pollutants. This means microorganisms such as Giardia, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and other viruses may be eliminated from untreated water with ease. The process of UV treatment does not require any chemical, or physical aspects in order to purify water, using electromagnetic radiation, instead.
Mercury vapor lamps and sterilization lamps both produce ultraviolet rays while they’re in use. A transparent surface, such as the glass component on a variety of lamps, enables the shortwave UV rays. Eventually, these shortwaves eliminate any live microorganisms and bacteria it comes into contact with. While UV rays are an effective form of disinfection, it is incapable of removing solids, and other compounds. That means that, while the method of treating water with UV rays is quick, it cannot provide the same filtration aspects other types of purification encompass.

How UV Water Filters Work

Because this type of sterilization does not involve any chemical or physical agents to do its work, you may wonder how UV rays work. While the UV light is not visible to the human eye, but is rather a light wave illuminated by UV rays. This enables the light to destroy the structural integrity of bacteria’s RNA and DNA. Through rapid sterilization, bacteria lose their capacity to reproduce, or are killed off immediately. In short, Ultraviolet light sterilizes water without causing secondary pollution to the water, nor does it change any components held therein.
More traditional forms of disinfection technology tends to be flammable, and highly toxic. In and of itself, the method of UV disinfection does not present safety hazards like ozone, or chloride. Irradiation from a germicidal lamp sterilizes water, without presenting a heavy demand for energy or time. In fact, UV light requires very little electricity, which makes it easy to use in a variety of locations – putting many individuals at ease.

Should You Utilize a UV Purifier?

Because the process of UV water treatment does not require chemicals of any sort to purify water, and does not change the water’s inherent composition, it provides a safe alternative for humans. A UV-C light is used in a UV sterilizer to disinfect drinking water. Although a UV-C light can be harmful to humans, it poses no harm to people when used appropriately. This means you should avoid looking directly at the bulb while it is in use, as well as avoid touching it. If you follow those simple guidelines, you are not in danger of any type of exposure. This is much different compared to other forms of water treatment – often used by municipal water treatment facilities.
Chlorine is the most common form of water treatment, remaining in the water long after it has left the treatment facility. By comparison, the process of purification by UV light is much safer to the environment, as well as people and animals. Though chlorine does disinfect water, UV lights are capable of eliminating protozoa chlorine cannot touch. UV systems are easy to maintain, and safer to use than harmful chemicals. It’s for these reasons that we are currently observing a trend in water treatment facilities making a move over the UV systems, rather than chlorine-based methods. By making a change, we can create a lower amount of chemical by-products.
There are many advantages set forth by a UV water purifier, even for residential settings. They are effective, free from harsh chemicals, conserve water, impart no unpleasant tastes or smells, and are quite economical. You can rest assured that a UV water purification system will remove virtually any microorganisms originally present in your tap water, without the stress of adding chemicals. These units require very minimal space, and offer trouble-free solutions to water treatment. By adding a UV water purification to your home, you can provide your family with clean, safe drinking water, with very little maintenance.
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Using a UV Water Purifier at Home

If you are looking to add a UV water purifier to your place of residence, opt for a system that is so effective on impurities, they have zero chance of survival. The Waterdrop N1 Countertop RO Water Filter System pairs the best of both worlds into one convenient unit. Your family can benefit from the process of RO, now with the further improvements of UV light. Waterdrop’s RO system kills bacteria and viruses each and every hour, in a countertop style that won’t demand all of your space. By combining the power of a RO membrane, with a carbon block, and PP cotton, the UV light is the final step in ensuring you don’t face illness and disease due to poor water conditions.

Final Thoughts

Severe weather conditions are a constant reminder of the threats facing our day to day lives. While it may be one of your last considerations, water is an essential aspect to your very survival. When pollutants are enabled to enter our water systems, the end result is the consumption of unsafe water. If you are searching for a long-term solution to your tap water, a UV water purification system is a no-brainer. Take control of your life, by enacting pollution control of your own, and provide your family with the highest level of water quality available.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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