DRINKING WATER

A common part of the drinking water treatment path is chlorine, which has unfortunately proven to lead to several health complications such as respiratory diseases. Additionally, while chlorine has proven to be ineffective against Cryptosporidium and Giardia, UV treatment can inactivate these pathogens easily with very low doses. UV treatment is capable of inactivating all bacteria, viruses, molds, and spores that may be present in the drinking water while adding no chemicals or by-products to the process.

UV disinfection is preferred for treating drinking water because it effectively inactivates all types of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, molds, and spores, without the use of chemicals. This means there are no harmful by-products like those associated with chlorination, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). UV treatment also effectively targets resistant organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, which are not adequately addressed by chlorine. Additionally, UV disinfection does not alter the taste or odor of the water and does not create harmful by-products like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which can occur with chlorination.

UV disinfection enhances operational efficiency by providing a disinfection method that is cost-effective in both capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX). It requires less space than traditional methods and reduces the need for handling and storing hazardous chemicals. This efficiency translates into long-term savings and a lower total cost of ownership over the system’s lifecycle.

When UV systems are used in conjunction with a small residual of chemical disinfection, UV can potentially eliminate the need for contact tanks, significantly reducing operational costs and improving performance. This makes UV systems capable of being a primary treatment method, with a dual approach to ensure that the water is safe to drink.

UV disinfection is a sustainable option for drinking water treatment because it is a physical process that does not rely on chemical additives. It provides a safe, non-toxic method for ensuring water quality, which is crucial for protecting public health and the environment. Additionally, UV systems are energy-efficient and have a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional chemical disinfection methods.

As modern UV disinfection systems are designed to handle high volumes of water, they are suitable for virtually any scale. The systems can be scaled and customized to accommodate the specific flow rates and water quality requirements of different facilities, ensuring efficient and effective disinfection for large populations.

UV disinfection is a cost-effective solution for drinking water facilities, especially when taking long-term operational costs into consideration. While the initial investment might be comparable to or slightly higher than traditional methods, UV systems have lower ongoing operational and maintenance costs. They require less energy, have fewer mechanical parts, and eliminate the need for chemical purchasing and handling, contributing to overall cost savings.