Ultraviolet water purification (UV) lamps produce UV-C or germicidal UV, radiation of much greater intensity than sunlight. Almost all of a UV lamps output is concentrated in the 254 nanometers (nm) region in order to take full advantage of the germicidal properties of this wavelength. Most UV systems are combined with various forms of filtration, as UV light is only capable of killing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, algae, yeast, oocysts like cryptosporidium and giardia.
UV light generally has no impact on chlorine, VOCs, heavy metals, and other chemical contaminants. Nevertheless, it is probably the most cost effective and efficient technology available to eliminate a wide range of biological contaminants from the water supply. Recent testing has also shown that UV can be effective at destroying certain VOCs, although we would not specifically recommend the technology for VOC reduction.
UV water treatment offers many advantages over other forms of water treatment for microbiological contaminants. Most importantly, it does not introduce any chemicals to the water, it produces no bi-products, and it does not alter the taste, pH, or other properties of the water. Accordingly, in addition to produce safe drinking water, it is not harmful to piping systems.
Water Purification and Filtration 