Water disinfection is the process of reducing the amount of harmful pathogens in a water supply. This can be achieved through simple chemical, filtration and radiation methods or a combination of techniques.

Chemical disinfectants and treatments are often reserved for municipal and large water distribution networks, while point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) systems rely on filtration and deep ultraviolet light (UVC). In these systems, filtration removes chemical and organic contaminants, while UVC addresses microbial threats from bacteria, viruses and cysts.

Some systems will also combine UVC with photo-catalysts to produce hydroxyl radicals to help remove organic compounds and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs).

Once contaminated water has entered municipal distribution systems the health implications, cost and complexity of sanitizing these systems is significant. UVC LEDs can be integrated into on-demand POU water purification systems to protect families and homes from common pathogenic sources of waterborne illnesses.

UVC LEDs are used in these systems to protect against microbial contaminants- including bacteria (E. coli, pseudomonas, legionella), viruses (Rotavirus, Adenovirus, Hepatitis), and parasites (giardia beaver fever, cryptosporidium).

UVC disinfection remains the sole proven, practical and cost effective solution for addressing true microbial safety without impacting odor or taste. Historically, germicidal mercury lamps have been the trusted UVC source. However, durable UVC LEDs are poised to replace these with innovative compact product designs.