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Ultraviolet radiation, in cost-effective doses, effectively inactivates common
pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, Giardia and most bacterial pathogens. UV
radiation, at drinking water treatment doses, does not create significant levels
of disinfection by-products (DBPs). These factors make UV treatment an attractive
option for utilities seeking to control pathogens in both ground and surface
waters.
Foundation-funded research originally discovered UV's efficacy in inactivating
Cryptosporidium. An explosion of research ensued into UV's practical application
in drinking water treatment. Research has established that the ease of operating
UV systems, their small footprint, and reasonable costs make the technology
a competitive option for inactivating pathogens.
Recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) rules for the inactivation
of Cryptosporidium provide guidance on UV treatment, clearing the way for broader
use of this technology. Foundation-funded research has made a significant contribution
to the USEPA's guidance on UV dosage levels, design, and monitoring requirements
in forthcoming regulations and guidance documents. UV treatment has been incorporated
into the Long-Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR), Groundwater
Rule, and Stage 2 Disinfectant/Disinfectant By-Product Rule (D/DBPR).
Having established UV treatment's efficacy in the inactivation of water-borne
pathogens, influenced USEPA to include this technology as an acceptable treatment
option, and explored design and retrofit issues, Foundation research currently
is focused on implementation challenges.
Foundation Mission: Provide research to help utilities design and operate ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems and explore other uses for the technology, including oxidation of active compounds and other undesirable substances in drinking water.
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Key Findings:
Q: Have practical UV dosage levels been determined?
Q: How effective is UV for inactivation of various pathogens?
Q: How effective is UV for oxidizing chemical contaminants?
Q: What work has been done on implementation issues?
Q: Have practical UV dosage levels been determined?
Q: How effective is UV for inactivation of various pathogens?
Q: What work has been done on implementation issues?
Q: How effective is UV for oxidizing chemical contaminants?
Q: What is the direction and nature of ongoing Foundation studies on UV?
Supporting Resources:
Water Research Foundation Topic Related Research:
(Select from the list below for a list of projects, final project reports,
and project updates related to this topic).
 51 Projects
34 Final Reports
34 Project Updates
Foundation Staff Subject Matter Expert(s):
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