Is UV 100% effective?
UV disinfection typically offers a 99.99% reduction
in both bacteria and virus and is more effective than
chemical disinfection processes at destroying viruses.
Does
UV remove E. coli?
Yes, E. coli requires a UV dose of between 6 to 10 ml/cm2
to achieve 4-log disinfection. This is well within the
capabilities of the Sterilight UV system.
How
much does it cost to operate?
UV systems are extremely economical to operate. A typical
household UV system operates on the same power requirements
as a 40 watt light bulb!
Will
UV change the taste or smell of my water?
UV is a physical disinfection process, no additives
are required. It does not change the taste or odour
of the water. It simply provides safe reliable disinfection.
How
do I know the system is working?
All UV systems come with "lamp-out" monitors
which give an audible and visual signal in case of lamp
failure. Sterilight GOLD systems incorporate true UV
intensity monitors so an alarm will sound if the disinfection
effectiveness falls below a safe level.
Why
do I need Disinfection?
Disinfection is required on all water supplies that
are not protected by a municipal water source. Due to
the uncertainties that exist within some water systems,
we can no longer rely on the fact that our water supplies
"may be safe." By providing your own disinfection,
you are taking the responsibility of ensuring the safety
of the water supply for you and your family.
Do
I need to Disinfect My Municipal Water Supply?
Our municipalities work very hard to provide safe disinfected
water supplies to their customers. However, you may
wish to give yourself that added "peace of mind"
and install a UV sterilizer to protect against the possibility
of drinking contaminated water.
What
are the annual maintenance requirements?
UV systems contain no mechanical parts that wear out
or require maintenance. UV lamps have a useful life
of approximately 8,000 hours and require replacement
annually. Proper maintenance of any pretreatment system
is also required.
Should
I be concerned about the adequacy of my electrical system?
The UV system requires consistent power, both voltage
and frequency. To compensate for the fluctuations in
power supplies, Sterilight systems incorporate proprietary
ICE ballast technology to provide constant output voltage
regardless of the fluctuations. This results in consistent
UV output and UV dose.
What
size of system do I need?
An average household UV range in size from 5 to 12 gpm.
Determining your pump's flow rate will typically determine
your required flow rate. (Sterilight offers many different
models in sizes ranging from 1/2 gpm to 1,000 gpm.)
Should
I shut my system off when I am not using it?
The UV system should be left on at all times. By leaving
the unit on, you will eliminate the potential problem
of having contamination pass through the system while
the unit is off.
Do
I need to worry about the quality of my water prior
to the UV?
For UV to be effective, it is recommended that the influent
water contain less than the following: iron less than
0.3 ppm hydrogen sulphide less than 10 ppm suspended
solids less than 10 ppm manganese less than 0.05 ppm
hardness less than 7 gpg.
All conditions are treatable. To obtain adequate
water quality for the UV, please consult your local
water treatment professional for further assistance.
To validate the disinfection process, it is important
to have the water tested for bacteriological contaminants
on a regular basis.
Is
UV effective against protozoa such as Cryptosporidium
and Giardia Lamblia ("Beaver Fever")?
Yes, as a result of recent findings by academic researchers,
it has now been proven that UV appears to be the best
available technology to treat protozoan cysts. In addition,
the dose levels required to inactivate these cysts are
actually quite low; less than 10 ml/cm2 for 99.99% reduction
of both Cryptosporidium and Giardia Lamblia.
What
size of system do I need?
UV disinfection typically offers a 99.99% reduction
in both bacteria and virus and is more effective than
chemical disinfection processes at destroying viruses.
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