Are UV Water Filters Right For You?
When taken directly from a natural source, such as a lake or river, water must be filtered to remove any viruses, bacteria, or other living microorganisms remaining before it is safe to drink. If your water is from the public water supply, a water treatment plant cleans and treats the water before it is routed to homes.
In some areas, rural homes with well water specifically, but also in places that a “boil water advisory” has been put out by the local government, you may want to have an additional filtration or purification system in your home.
One popular method of filtering water in houses before drinking it or cooking with it is a UV water filter or purifier.
What Does A UV Water Filter or Purifier Do?
Ultraviolet light, also known as UV Light, is a type of light outside the visible spectrum. Despite not being visible, it can create chemical reactions, cause suntan and sunburns, and produce vitamin D in humans and animals. It is often used in filtration and purification because it keeps the water chemical free, but kills bacteria in the water and prevents microorganisms from growing in the same way it causes sunburns. While UV light is a safe way to kill many microorganisms, some have cell walls that the light can’t penetrate. UV light also can’t remove chemicals or other particles in the water.
Who Is UV Water Filtration Or Purification For?
If you live in an urban area or a city, your water is usually filtered by the water treatment plant before being sent to your house. They will remove bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms during the water treatment process. If you are concerned about bacteria in your water, you can still have it tested, or use a UV filter to remove it.
However, if you live in a rural area and are on well water, or have a water treatment plant that isn’t able to clean the water thoroughly, UV light can help keep your water safe. Sometimes the local government will even issue a “boil water notice” due to bacteria in public water. Using a UV filter or purifier in these cases can ensure your water is disinfected and safe to drink.
Benefits And Disadvantages
There are a number of factors to consider before getting a UV light filter or purifier, including where your water is from and if your local area has a history of boil advisories. Using UV filters kills harmful microorganisms and bacteria in water, but it doesn’t remove chemicals or other particles. UV filters often require power to run, either from an outlet or a battery, and aren’t as useful if the power goes out.
However, if you’re in a rural area or need to disinfect your water, UV filters and UV purifiers can be a great way to keep your water safe to drink and save you money on buying bottled water.
