The treatment of well water with UV is certainly an important step in achieving a pathogen free water source. A common misconception with the analysis of well water is that whenever a water test is carried out and results in a negative reading, people tend to assume that this is always the case, unfortunately pathogens can enter the water source at anytime especially after heavy rainfall, it is for this reason that periodic water testing should always be carried out to ensure that your water supply remains contaminant free.
With regard to well water water treatment there are a number of disinfection methods available including:
Chlorination
Ozonation
Distillation
Although UV disinfection is deemed as a relatively new bacterial treatment method ultraviolet disinfection has been in use since guidelines were introduced in 1966 - since this date many states has incorporated there own UV filtration standards based around these regulations.
Why use UV
UV offers many advantages when compared to standard disinfection techniques. One of the biggest advantages is the fact that UV doesn't require any other chemicals to be added to the water source meaning that the taste and odour of the water isn't changed in any way. Where as chlorination is subject to fears of harmful side effects it is impossible to overdose water through the use of ultraviolet light, in fact the more exposure the water source has to the UV light the higher the level of safety.
As well as this ultraviolet disinfection is relatively service free, typically needing only annual bulb replacement, most household systems are also compact and hassle free to install.
A typical residential UV system.
Standard household UV equipment is designed to mount either horizontally or vertically, standard UV options would include:
Remote Alarms
Quartz Wiper Systems
UV Intensity Monitors
Solenoid Valves
Elapsed Time Meters
Flow Controls
A standard UV system should be simple to install, however when considering placement of your UV filter consider the maintenance aspect, leave enough space around the filter to be able to gain access to the UV lamp, also consider placing your unit within reachable distance of an electrical outlet. Follow any specific mounting instructions carefully and use plumbing unions for any pipe work, this will enable easy maintenance when required.
Once you UV filter is plumbed in correctly the next step is to install the quartz sleeve. The sleeve insulates the lamp from water and outside temperatures. Quartz sleeves typically are either of a domed or open variety, please refer to your instruction manual for the correct fitment. The next step will be to test the system for any leaks, at this point don't plug the system in to the mains supply. Once satisfied that all seals are water tight install the UV lamp, please take care when handling not to touch the lamp surface and only handle by the ceramic ends of the lamp, if you are concerned that the lamp isn't completely clean then rubbing alcohol can be used to wipe the surface of any contaminants.
Next, install the UV lamp. UV lamps have connection pins on either one or both ends. Handle UV lamps by the bases (ceramic sections) to ensure that no fingerprints or contaminants get on the lamp surface. (If a UV lamp does not appear clean, use rubbing alcohol and a cotton cloth to clean it.) Insert the UV lamp into the quartz sleeve and make all electrical connections. Re-apply any access covers to complete installation.
After installation, it is important to sanitize all downstream piping prior to start-up.
Maintenance
In order to get the best out of your UV system it is recommended that an annual service should take place, typically this would involve replacement of the UV lamp(s), checking all pipe work and connections are clean and watertight & cleaning of the quartz sleeve.
Conclusion
UV Water Filters offer the best form of disinfection with minimal outlay and maintenance issues. An ultraviolet unit will offer the consumer reassurance that appropriate measures have been taken to ensure a bacteria free, safe water supply.
Ultraviolet Disinfection related videos - view the latest information online.