Does UV Light Remove Odor from Water?
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Nov 22, 2022
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A UV water purifier is arguably the best product for killing microorganisms in your water supply, without affecting the taste or smell of the water.
But does UV light also help for removing an existing odor from a water source?
Let’s find out!
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Key Takeaways
- UV light is ineffective at removing odor from water, as it only targets microorganisms.
- Odor in water can have multiple causes, which require additional water treatment systems.
What’s a UV Water Purifier and How Does It Work?
UV water purifiers are the final frontier of a home water filtration system. After the household water has passed through the relevant pre-filters, A UV purifier will emit UV rays and effectively kill microorganisms by directly targeting their DNA.
They are most useful for water that is contaminated or at risk of being contaminated with pathogens that cause illness. UV purifiers are sometimes even used for tap water deemed as ‘safe’, as a preventative measure should the tap water source face contamination at some point.
The purifiers are up to 99.9999% effective at sterilizing a water supply, as long as they are being used under optimal conditions…
Simply put, particulate that remains in the water supply due to inadequate pre-filtration can have a negative effect on UV disinfection, as said particles may create shadows or barriers that block the UV rays from hitting the microorganisms. Hence, it is recommended to have your water tested to determine the correct pre-filtration for your home, to remove things like scale and turbidity.
Further Reading:
Does UV Light Remove Odor from Water?
UV water purifiers target microorganisms very effectively, but that is all they target. They do not remove anything from your water supply. They also will not remove any foul tastes or smells from your water, and they do not improve the clarity of the water.
So, no, UV light does not remove odor from water.
On the upside, this type of water treatment will not add an unpleasant taste or odor to your water, as chlorination often does.
What Causes Odor in Water?
There are numerous causes of smelly water, and in order to address the issue it is important to know what is causing it.
- A sewerage smell often indicates bacteria in your pipes which may need cleaning.
- A rotten egg smell is usually from organic matter like hair and leftover food that has built up in your system.
- Chlorine used to disinfect water supplies can leave a chemical smell, which can be removed with a basic carbon filter.
- If your water smells or tastes generally dirty, you may need a sediment filter.
Your best bet is to have your water assessed and tested by an expert to find a solution that works for you.
What Does UV Water Purification Remove?
UV light disinfection kills microorganisms in water. That includes bacteria, viruses, cysts, algae, and fungi. It does not remove anything from the water, not even the dead microorganisms. If you need anything removed from your water, that is the job of additional treatment systems.
If you have any thoughts about the question, does UV light remove odor from water, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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