There are many reasons people invest in water filtration systems. For instance, some want to remove the smell and taste of chlorine, while others are concerned about bacteria.
If you're in the market for a water treatment solution, you might wonder if a UV light water filter is necessary. What does it remove, and when is it practical? This guide will cover the primary benefits of a UV light water filter and ideal use cases to help you make a more informed decision.
What Is a UV Filter, and Do I Need One?
An ultraviolet (UV) filter purifies water by killing potentially harmful microorganisms. This method is highly effective and does not require chemical treatments. As water flows past the germicidal UV light, the DNA in pathogens is destroyed. E.coli and Giardia are examples of what you can target.
This UV technology is often part of a more extensive system. For example, a sediment or carbon filter may be installed to target dust, chlorine, VOCs, etc. These filtration solutions help remove many common contaminants in tap water, but they will not address microbiological concerns (unless you invest in a reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration system).
A UV light is an optional addition to a filtration system, just like a water softener. However, sometimes, a UV-C light may not be optional if you want to drink safe water. For example, well water is not treated like municipal water and may be more prone to bacteria growth. With a UV light, you can achieve a 99.99% disinfection rate.
Advantages of a UV Light for Water Treatment
If you want clean, healthy water, there are specific use cases when a UV light is a no-brainer. If you're on the fence, here are the main benefits of a UV water filter:
• A UV water filter is germicidal and disinfects without chemicals, which is safer for consumption and protects your plumbing by reducing the risk of chemical-induced erosion.
• Since no chemicals are used, you will preserve alkaline levels and beneficial minerals.
• Maintenance for UV light filtration is minimal, and UV light filters are easy to install.
• When you invest in quality light, this solution offers longevity. For example, the Brio UV-C Ultraviolet Light—6 GPM has a lifespan of one year (8,000 hours).
• It is an environmentally friendly method to address pathogens as there are no harmful by-products. This solution also eliminates the need for water bottles in areas where it’s unsafe to drink untreated water.
• The design is compact, and there is no need for holding tanks. A common misconception is that you need a bigger system to treat water to a higher quality, which isn't the case. The size of your system will be based on variables like flow rate (measured in gallons per minute).
What About Disadvantages?
The main disadvantage is that UV light filters do not remove contaminants — they only kill microorganisms. You'll need a multi-stage filtration system to remove heavy metals, chemicals, PFAS, or sediment.
Other considerations include:
• The UV light will need to be cleaned and replaced (at least once a year).
• UV light only works on clear water, so cloudy water requires a pre-filter before exposure to UV light.
• Electricity is required for operation, making it ineffective during an outage.
Do You Need a UV Water Filter?
If you're on municipal water, you may wonder if a UV light water filter is necessary.
While public drinking water is treated, harmful microbes can find their way into the household water supply. It is possible for a treatment center to release waterborne pathogens, and bacteria can also grow in distribution systems.
Water main breaks are one of the greatest concerns. Around 20% of pipes need to be replaced across the United States and Canada, which experience 260,000 water main breaks annually. In these instances, it is not uncommon for a boil water advisory to occur. Those with UV lights instantly have an advantage that gives them access to clean, safe drinking water.
For these reasons, many choose to invest in a UV light filter as a final barrier solution. However, there are other use cases where it makes sense to implement a UV water filter, especially if your home water test detects bacteria. An example is houses that rely on well water. Any household with a history of waterborne illnesses can benefit from this preventative measure — as can anyone who just wants greater peace of mind.
Remember, investing in a UV light water treatment solution will only target microorganisms — not other contaminants. Need help finding an ideal solution? Browse Brio's collection of filtration systems, including UV lights (compatible with under-sink, point-of-use systems, and whole house systems).
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