6 reasons to install a UV unit
A UV (ultraviolet) unit is commonly used in water treatment systems for domestic homes to disinfect and purify water. The UV unit serves as an effective way to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, without the use of chemicals like chlorine.
These systems are especially beneficial for homes that rely on private wells, rainwater collection, or borehole water, which may be more susceptible to microbial contamination. Additionally, UV units can also be useful for municipal water users who want an extra layer of protection, particularly in cases of damaged or old water pipes where contaminants might enter the supply.
Reasons to install a UV unit
Here are some specific applications for the domestic market:
1. Drinking water purification
UV units ensure that your drinking water is safe by neutralising pathogens that may be present in well water (or borehole), rainwater, or even municipal water systems. This is especially useful if you live in areas with questionable water quality or where microbial contamination is a concern.
2. Whole-house water filtration
Installing a whole-house UV system treats water as it enters your home, providing clean and safe water for all household uses, including drinking, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. This is ideal for households relying on private water sources like wells, which may have microbial contamination.
3. Well water treatment
Well water is particularly vulnerable to microbial contamination because it’s sourced from underground, where it may come in contact with bacteria, viruses, or protozoa. A UV unit is highly recommended in such situations as it provides chemical-free disinfection.
4. Aquarium and fish pond maintenance
For hobbyists with aquariums or fish ponds, UV units can help control harmful microorganisms, algae growth, and other contaminants that could harm aquatic life.
5. Water softener systems
Some water softeners include UV filtration as an added step in water treatment, ensuring that softened water is also disinfected and safe for all household purposes.
6. Swimming pools and spas
Unlike chlorine, UV treatment does not add chemicals to the water, eliminating the risk of harmful by-products. It also preserves the water’s natural taste, colour, and odour, which chlorine treatment can sometimes affect.
Installation
Perhaps the most common application, UV units are a stalwart defender of residential water supplies. From single faucets to entire household systems, these units ensure that the water flowing through your home is free from harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, providing a consistent source of safe drinking water.
UV units are typically installed at the point of entry for whole-house water treatment or under the sink for specific drinking water outlets, ensuring protection for all the water used in the home.
Benefits of a UV Unit in Water Treatment:
- Chemical-free: No need for chlorine or other harsh disinfectants.
- Effective against a wide range of microorganisms.
- Environmentally friendly and leaves no harmful residues.
- Minimal maintenance once installed.
A UV water treatment unit can be a highly effective addition for improving the safety and quality of water in your home, especially if you’re concerned about microbial contamination in your water source.
Advantages of installing a UV unit
The main advantages of using a UV unit include its chemical-free operation, low energy usage, and minimal maintenance requirements. The system only requires an annual UV bulb replacement and periodic cleaning of the quartz sleeve. It is highly effective at neutralising pathogens but does not remove physical contaminants, heavy metals, or chemicals like chlorine. Therefore, UV systems are often paired with other filtration methods to ensure comprehensive water purification, such as sediment filters or activated carbon filters to handle non-living contaminants like dirt or chlorine.
As technology continues to advance, the brilliance of UV units continues to evolve, providing a beacon of clean, safe water in an array of applications.
‘Whole house’ UV and filter combo systems
Are you worried about getting the right pre-filter and UV unit? We have put together the more ‘common systems’ as a package deal, see below.
Standard: > 3 bed
Large: 3-4 bed
Extra large: 5 bed +