Ultraviolet Light Systems
Ultraviolet light
Ultraviolet light (UV) is an effective means of disinfecting water. Ultraviolet light disinfects water by striking a microorganism with a 2537A wavelength of electromagnetic radiation without adding or creating chemicals. This action disrupts the DNA preventing the microorganisms from reproducing and thus effectively killing them. It does not change the taste or odor of the water nor does it remove beneficial minerals. Water is ready to drink after UV disinfection. Private water system rule OAC 3701-28-09 currently provides for the use of UV as a primary means of disinfect ion for private water systems. Only UV systems that can meet NSF Standard 55 “Class A” or the equivalent can be considered for approval as a means of primary disinfections.
How Ultraviolet Disinfection Works
Water enters a chamber and is exposed to high does of Ultraviolet (UV) light The UV light comes from a lamp that is not in contact with the water directly, but uses a quartz sleeve. The lamp used for germicidal water disinfection produces radiation at 254 nanometers and has a life of 10,000 hours. Light in this range targets the bacterial and viral DNA of water contaminants. Exposure prevents the microorganisms from being able to reproduce and cells that cannot reproduce are considered dead. UV disinfects without adding or creating chemicals. it does not change the taste or odor of the water nor does it remove beneficial minerals. The water is ready to drink after disinfection.
Benefits of UV Disinfection
- Environmentally safe – no chemicals.
- Effective on a wide range of pathogens.
- Low operating costs.