Viruses are trickier because they’re smaller and sometimes have protective coats. But good news: UV light does mess them up too, though you might need a stronger dose. Parasites like Giardia or Cryptosporidium? Yep, UV nails them too.
Those little critters are often resistant to chlorine, but UV light doesn’t care. It’s like a superhero that can see through their little shields. Pretty impressive for a light bulb, right?
Just remember, UV systems need the water to flow past the light slowly enough to get a good zap. If you rush it, some bacteria might survive—like trying to tan for two seconds and expecting a golden glow.
The Downside (Because Every Good Thing Has One)
UV light doesn’t stick around. Once the water leaves the light chamber, there’s no leftover protection. If your water gets contaminated again later, you’re out of luck.
That’s why some people pair UV with filtration or a tiny bit of chlorine. Think of it as a tag team: UV kills the first round, and the filter catches the stragglers. Together, they’re like peanut butter and jelly for water safety.
Rv Uv Water Treatment at Cathrine Merritt blog
Also, UV bulbs wear out. They get dimmer over time, just like old light bulbs in your house. You need to replace them about once a year, or they become fancy paperweights. Keep that in mind if you buy a UV water bottle.
