Water Purity Basics

The Clean Water Experts

Ultraviolet Light Disinfection for Water

Ultraviolet light has a long and well-proven history in water treatment and is rapidly gaining popularity as an effective means of inactivating microbial contaminants, including cryptosporidium, giardia, and E. coli.

In 1877, the inactivation properties of sunlight were discovered, and it was only a matter of time before people tried to apply this knowledge for practical use. In 1903, Niels Fensen received a Nobel Prize for his use of ultraviolet light to combat tuberculosis (although not in water), and in 1910, the first drinking water treatment system opened in Marseilles, France.

The evolution of UV

1930s: The first tubular lamps were developed, allowing for easier applications and different configurations for use.
1950s: The first truly significant research into UV treatment began.
1960s: UV treatment became more widely used in commercial applications and residential use began.

Today, UV treatment is a widely accepted means of removing various microbial contaminants from water and has been installed in many major public drinking water and wastewater treatment plants worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How Can Iron Get into Your Well Water

Iron can sneak itself in your water a few different ways...

Seepage: Water from above the surface in the form of rain or melted snow travels through the soil into the well’s water supply. Along the water’s path, iron within the soil may dissolve into the water and follow it into the well.

Corrosion: Remember as a kid when you accidently left your bike outside in the rain and woke up to find it a rusty mess? Something similar can occur within your well causing iron to enter the water. The casings and pipes leading to and from the well are likely made of iron. When they are exposed to water and oxygen the iron can begin to deteriorate, causing the iron to oxidize, and form the natural by-product rust. As water travels through the pipes the rust flakes off into the water supply and subsequently into your tap and appliances.

What Are the Different Forms of Iron?

Most commonly iron in our water wells show up in two different forms...

Ferric Iron “Red-Water Iron”: That lovely orangey-red water mentioned in the beginning of this article, is Ferric Iron. Ferric Iron is clear well water that has been exposed to oxygen, oxidized forming visible rust, giving the water a reddish color.

Ferrous Iron “Clear-Water Iron”: This form of iron cannot be seen in the water because it is soluble, or can be dissolved in water. Ferrous Iron often comes from deeper wells or water sources.

Health Hazards Caused from Having Iron in My Water?

If you have concerns about iron in your water supply, while it can be damaging to your water system and appliances, serious effects on your health are unlikely. Iron is an essential component of the human diet for proper function and it is highly improbable that you would consume a toxic amount solely through drinking water.

However, excessive iron in water may have negative effects on your hair and skin. Well water often contains high levels of iron and other minerals. Once absorbed by your hair, these contaminants will cause your hair to develop a darker discoloration and become dry, brittle, and have an awful metallic odor. Heavy amounts of iron will tint light-colored hair orange and cause dark hair to become darker with red highlights. In addition, oxidized iron actually functions similarly to how a mild peroxide attacks the hair. It may cause an excessive dry feeling in your hair and could even change your hair’s visible texture. In regard to your skin, iron can damage skin cells which may lead to wrinkles. In addition, dissolved minerals such as iron and magnesium will cause excessive soap scum residue, clogging your pores, and leaving you with unattractive skin problems such as acne or eczema.

What Damaging Effects Does Iron Have in Well Water?

There may not be any consequences to your health from the iron present in your well water but your appliances, dishes, laundry, and food will definitely pay the price.

Stains and Slime: One of the annoying repercussions of iron in well water are the stains it leaves behind on your laundry, dishes, sinks, and bathtubs which are nearly impossible to remove. The stain will appear in a red, yellow, or brown color making all of those items look gross and unsanitary no matter how hard you try to clean them.

Clogged Pipes: Sometimes when rust particles and iron fragments travel through your water supply they stop for extended periods of time. Once stagnant, the iron is able to accumulate inside the pipes of your water supply system as well as your appliances. This can result in the need for expensive repairs in your dishwashers, washing machines, sprinklers, and other water-related appliances.

Foul Taste and Smell: If you are trying to impress your date or spouse with your culinary talents make sure you address the iron problem first. Iron in water will make even your best dishes and drinks have a disgusting metallic taste and a repulsive dark black color. This problem is especially prevalent with vegetables and other foods cooked in water.

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Water Purity Basics

clean water

Call or email us with questions about making sure your water

More water facts

The Clean Water Experts

Ultraviolet Light Disinfection for Water

Frequently Asked Questions

-Centrifugal Pumps- -Submersible Pumps- -Cistern Pumps- -Irrigation Pumps-

Water Purity Basics

clean water

Call or email us with questions about making sure your water

More water facts

The Clean Water Experts

Ultraviolet Light Disinfection for Water

Frequently Asked Questions

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