What is UV Water Filtration?
UV water filtration, also known as ultraviolet water disinfection or UV water sterilization, is a method of water treatment that utilizes ultraviolet (UV) light to inactivate or kill microorganisms present in water. The process involves passing water through a chamber that contains a UV lamp emitting UV-C light, which has a wavelength of approximately 254 nanometers.
UV water filtration systems typically use a UV lamp to emit UV light of a specific wavelength. When water passes through the UV chamber, the microorganisms present in the water are exposed to the UV light, which disrupts their DNA and renders them inactive.
UV filtration is particularly effective against bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It can help eliminate common waterborne pathogens such as E. coli, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium. However, UV filtration is not effective against contaminants such as heavy metals, chemicals, or sediment. Therefore, it is often used in conjunction with other water treatment methods like activated carbon filtration or reverse osmosis to provide comprehensive water purification.
UV filtration may not be a complete solution for water treatment in certain situations due to the following reasons:
- Limited scope: UV filtration is primarily effective against microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It does not remove other contaminants like heavy metals, chemicals, or dissolved solids. If your water source contains these contaminants, additional treatment such as a carbon filter may be necessary.
- Lack of residual protection: UV filtration only treats the water as it flows through the UV chamber. Once the water leaves the chamber, there is no residual protection against recontamination. If there are any post-treatment sources of contamination or the treated water comes into contact with pathogens, there is no ongoing protection provided by UV filtration.
- Effectiveness on suspended particles: UV light can be blocked or reduced in effectiveness by suspended particles or turbidity in the water. These particles can shield microorganisms from the UV light, preventing their inactivation. In such cases, pre-filtration or sediment removal may be required to improve the efficiency of UV filtration.
- Dependence on energy source: UV filtration systems require a continuous power source to operate. Interruptions in electricity supply can render the system ineffective. Additionally, power outages during emergencies or natural disasters can disrupt the functionality of UV filtration. Our carbon filters do not need electricity.
- Maintenance requirements: UV lamps in the filtration system need regular maintenance and periodic replacement to ensure optimal performance. If the lamps are not properly maintained or replaced as needed, the effectiveness of UV filtration may be compromised.
UV water filter VS Carbon water filter
UV filtration and carbon filtration are two distinct water treatment methods with different mechanisms of action and purposes. The effectiveness of each method depends on the specific water quality issues:
Carbon Water Filter
- Mechanism: Carbon filtration uses activated carbon to adsorb and remove impurities and contaminants from water. The activated carbon has a high surface area, allowing it to attract and trap certain organic compounds, chlorine, odors, and some heavy metals.
- Contaminant removal: Carbon filtration is effective in removing chlorine, certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), unpleasant tastes, and odors. It can also help reduce some dissolved organic compounds. Ultimate Water Pentair water filters remove contaminants at a 0.2 micron, bacteriostatic.
- Bacteriostatic filters do not kill bacteria, per say, but do inhibit the growth of bacteria within the filter*. In other words, the term Bacteriostatic means that the quantity of bacteria passing through the filtration system will remain static, i.e. bacteria will not multiply.
- Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for Cyst Reduction*, Asbestos Reduction, and Turbidity Reduction.
- Certified to NSF Standard 42 – Mechanical: Particulate Reduction, Class I; Taste & Odor Reduction, and Taste & Odor Reduction
UV Water Filter
- Mechanism: UV filtration uses ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa by damaging their DNA. It provides disinfection and is highly effective in eliminating harmful pathogens from water.
- Contaminant removal: UV filtration does not remove non-living contaminants like chemicals, heavy metals, or dissolved solids. Its main purpose is to ensure microbial safety in water.
At the end of the day it is up to what you would prefer. In South Africa a carbon filter is more than enough to keep you, your family and your business safe.
If you have any more questions you are welcome to contact us
- +(0)21 556-7418
- mail@ultimatewater.co.za
