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It has become a necessity to own a water filtration system at home for its tremendous help. Filtration systems can range from sizes to designs, uses, and range. The Ultraviolet (UV) filtration system is one of the most effective in eliminating microorganisms.
The main source of drinking water in the US is tap water, and it has been brought to attention that the water has its drawbacks containing lead, chlorine, and microorganisms brought along the pipes of every house.
Ultraviolet rays are a great help in household water systems. Unlike other water system filters, the UV filtration system is considered the most effective way of disinfecting bacteria and other microorganisms.
The efficacy of this water filter system is second to none when it comes to purifying the water you drink. Though this is the case for UV water filters, it needs to be partnered with another filter system to ensure that the efficacy remains.
What is UV Light Filtration?
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a spectrum of light that has a higher frequency than the usually visible light but is lower compared to an x-ray. UV light is quite a capable water treatment disinfectant.
UV filtration utilizes products that either emit UV light or those that absorb them. It will then be used as a filter for the water because the UV light will eliminate bacteria, viruses, parasites, and cysts.
The commonly used treatment for tap water is chlorine. Chlorine is one way of filtering and disinfecting the water. But there are microbial parasites that are immune to the effects of chlorine, thus will survive and infect unsuspecting humans.
How UV Filtration Systems Work
The Ultraviolet filtration system makes use of ultraviolet rays that expose microorganisms with the light that disinfects the water. Doing this helps in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in the water.
UV systems can penetrate the pathogen in the water, attacking the core of the microorganism. It is a great way of eliminating the ability of bacteria to multiply and wreak havoc when being used in households.
An ultraviolet water system uses the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays as the source of disinfection to impede any microbial growth. Ensuring the people using this product that safe water is guaranteed.
Benefits of UV Water Filtration
UV filtration systems have helped in the industry of filtration. Filters like the ultraviolet rays have become one of the trends for the benefits it can give. Below are some of the benefits UV filters have.
Disinfects without chemicals
UV disinfection does not require any type of chemical that can bring harm to the body.
Adds no taste or odor
The process of UV filtering will change neither taste nor odor which is great for the one using water.
Easy maintenance
UV filter systems have an annual replacement of the bulb which is convenient and easy.
No residues
UV filtration is utilizing light and does not leave any residue.
Effective disinfectant
It is considered one of the most effective ways of killing bacteria and other microorganisms found in water sources.
No wasted water
No water is needed to be poured off since UV purifier utilizes light.
Saves energy
UV filtration systems can use energy the same as a 60-watt bulb.
Long-term investment
Having a UV filtration system will help when the city is compromised. This will ensure that you can have safe water to drink.
Drawbacks of UV System
Benefits and drawbacks always go together. The UV water purification process is enough to filter water because it is effective against bacteria and viruses. However, because of its efficacy in inhibiting microorganisms, it is limited to only that.
Ultraviolet light cannot act as a filter for other factors that deem the water dangerous. It can only function as an inhibitor to microbial organisms that can be found inside the water being provided.
Chlorine and other harmful substances are not affected by the ultraviolet rays of the UV water purification systems, thus, making the water unsafe to drink. Below is a list of drawbacks of using UV filtration systems.
Does not remove contaminants
Ultraviolet rays can only impede the growth of microorganisms and cannot remove the microorganisms and the chemicals found in the water
Heats water
when using the UV water purifier and the water is not being used, the UV light can heat the water and may cause some burns when inattentive.
Does not work during a power outage
UV filtration systems require electricity to keep it running. No electricity means that this filtration system cannot work.
The water should be clear
UV water treatment requires that the water must stay as clear as possible to enable the light to penetrate through every corner the water has occupied to thoroughly disinfect.
UV Water Filter Maintenance
One benefit of using UV water filters is its easy maintenance. The maintenance of such a product should be pretty easy because it is only changed annually which would give you the impression of getting what you paid for.
- Replace the UV lamp annually
- Clean the quartz sleeve
- Change quartz sleeve once every two years
Is UV Water Filter Enough?
UV water filters are effective in doing its purpose. But this is limited to only the microorganisms found in the water. Any more than that, UV treatment cannot do anything about the other contaminants.Â
A UV light water purifier is often paired with another water treatment system such as reverse osmosis systems, carbon filters, etc. that will make up for the lack of filters for the other harmful substances.
To answer the question of is UV purification enough? It is not because of its limited range of use as a filter system. It needs to be backed with another filter system that compensates for its inadequacy.
Final Thoughts
UV water purifiers have a great impact on how the water is being cured. The convenience of having this water purification system is of high regard due to its function that is unlike the other water filtration system.
Ultraviolet water filters have their capacity and range of use. These should be considered by individuals who wish to purchase UV water filters as well as the state of the water source.
