How does UV water filtration purify your drinking water?

Ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water is a priority for households and businesses alike. Ultraviolet (UV) filtration systems are increasingly becoming a cornerstone in ensuring the safety of drinking water. While traditional filtration methods effectively remove many contaminants, UV filtration offers an additional layer of protection by neutralising harmful microorganisms.

At Culligan, we understand the importance of advanced water purification methods, and UV treatment stands out as a chemical-free, efficient solution to combat harmful microorganisms. But what exactly is UV water purification, and how can it help you? Here’s everything you need to know.

What is UV water purification?

Ultraviolet water purification uses UV-C light to neutralise harmful microorganisms in your water supply. As water flows through the UV system, it is exposed to ultraviolet light, which penetrates the cells of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. The energy from the UV light damages the DNA within these microorganisms, disrupting their ability to reproduce and causing them to become inactive. One of the greatest advantages of UV treatment is that it does not introduce any chemicals or substances into the water, which means it doesn’t alter the water’s natural taste, colour, or odour.

This ensures that the water remains pure and free from unwanted additives while still being thoroughly disinfected. UV treatment provides an invisible but highly effective layer of protection, working silently in the background to safeguard your drinking water without affecting its quality. It’s a reliable, eco-friendly method that works well alongside other filtration systems, offering an additional level of assurance that your water is safe and clean.

Integrating UV water filtration with traditional filters

While UV systems excel at neutralising microorganisms, they do not remove physical particles, chemicals, or heavy metals. Therefore, combining UV filtration with conventional filters such as sediment filters, activated carbon filters, or reverse osmosis systems provides comprehensive water purification.​

Typical multi-stage filtration process:

1. Pre-Filtration: Removes large particles and sediments.
2. Activated Carbon Filtration: Eliminates chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and improves taste and odor.
3. Reverse Osmosis (Optional): Reduces dissolved solids and heavy metals.
4. UV Disinfection: Neutralises remaining microorganisms, ensuring microbiological safety.​

This integrated approach ensures that water is not only free from pathogens but also clear, palatable, and safe from chemical contaminants.