Culligan Commercial & Industrial Ultraviolet Water Treatment

Ultraviolet water treatment uses UV light to sterilize water by reducing the level of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful biological contaminants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most contaminants are introduced into water infrastructure via breaks in water pipes. Bacteria and viruses introduced through these breaks may result in illness, slime, unpleasant odors, and unpalatable water.

Municipal water users are not the only ones at risk. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), private wells are the primary source of water for more than 13% of households in the United States and 20% of those wells are contaminated with bacteria. In fact, the CDC estimates that approximately 56% of illnesses caused by groundwater are due to contamination of private water sources.

Since microbes are present in nearly all water systems, it is virtually impossible to remove all bacteria from your water. However, UV water sterilization can significantly reduce microbial contamination levels and improve water quality to meet industry and health standards. UV radiation has been acknowledged by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective disinfectant due to its ability to eradicate the majority of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa such as Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium.

How Does UV Light Sterilize Water?

The wavelength of UV light allows it to penetrate pathogens and microbes and break down their basic DNA structure. The amount of UV radiation necessary to eliminate a microbe depends largely on the organism being targeted. It is therefore important that UV purification is calibrated to meet the particular needs of the water system.

Water specialists can modify the intensity, wavelength, and timing of UV exposure in order to ensure ideal water treatment. In addition, they must consider whether the water has been pre-treated, the flow rate and volume of the water passing through the system, and the level of microbial contamination already present in the water source.

Why Use Ultraviolet Water Treatment?

There are a number of water treatment options on the market today. Although many facilities are accustomed to more chemical treatments, UV water treatment systems offer numerous benefits over traditional chemical purification:

  • Effectiveness. UV water treatment destroys 99.9% of organisms and can be used to eliminate a broad variety of microbial contaminants.
  • Chemical-free. UV water treatment does not require the use of potentially harmful chemicals, thereby reducing potential health risks.
  • Environmentally friendly. Elimination of harmful chemicals in the water makes for an eco-friendlier process, as there are no chemical byproducts released into the environment. In addition, UV treatment equipment is extremely energy efficient, providing a reduced carbon footprint.
  • Low maintenance requirements. Once your UV system is installed, it generally requires only one annual service visit for regular maintenance.
  • Speedy purification process. UV treatment is performed on the water as it flows through the system, so there is no need for water holding tanks. In addition, UV treatment eliminates the reaction times necessary for chemical disinfection processes.
  • FDA-approved. UV water treatment is one of only four disinfection methods approved by the FDA.
  • Improved taste and odor. Unlike chemical disinfection, UV water treatment does not negatively impact the taste and odor of fresh water, eliminating any risk of a chemical aftertaste.

Applications of Ultraviolet Treatment

Due to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use, UV water sterilization systems have been installed in a wide variety of commercial and industrial settings.

Temporary Residences

Temporary residences and transient locations such as schools, hospitals, hotels and motels, resorts, restaurants, medical offices, gas stations, offices, and factories all benefit from the use of UV treatment systems. Water can be purified for drinking, in-house food preparation, and cleaning purposes.

Light Commercial

In addition to basic drinking water treatment, commercial UV water sterilizers can be employed to ensure optimal water quality for commercial food and beverage production, thereby ensuring quality products from brands around the world. Industrial grade UV water sterilizers also help to ensure optimal water quality for industrial manufacturing applications and equipment, providing enhanced operational efficiency and superior finished products.

Water Sources

To prevent microbial contamination, UV water treatments are an important inclusion in private water systems such as wells, rainwater cisterns, surface water, and municipal water systems. As a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and FDA-approved disinfection method, UV water treatment is starting to replace traditional chlorine and chemical treatments in many applications.

Ultraviolet Water Treatment From Reynolds Culligan

At Reynolds Culligan, we are dedicated to using the most modern technology to provide quality water treatment solutions for our customers in commercial and industrial settings. Since 1948, we have been the only name in comprehensive water treatment technology in the Mid-Atlantic region. With support from Culligan International, we can ensure that our local customers have access to the latest water treatment technology on the market.

To learn how our UV water treatment systems can improve your industrial and commercial water quality, contact us today.