When it comes to ensuring clean, safe drinking water for the home, none is as effective and reliable as Ultraviolet (UV) light purification. But even with such a solid history, several misconceptions and myths still swirl around UV systems — muddying the waters for homeowners and businesses who might be on the fence about making the change.
Here at Watersoft, we always strive to provide our customers with easy-to-understand, evidence-based knowledge. Here, we debunk the top myths about UV water purifiers — and give some truths to set the record straight.
Myth 1: UV Water Purifiers Add Chemicals to the Water
Debunked: No chemicals, additives, or by-products are introduced into your water with UV systems.
Instead of killing germs, UV light damages the DNA of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa, making them harmless.
The truth:
- No chemicals
- No taste or odour changes
- No harmful residues
That makes UV treatment an ideal option for households that wish to disinfect drinking water in a natural, eco-conscious manner.
Myth 2: UV Purifiers Make Water Look and Taste Better
Debunked: UV systems disinfect only — they don’t filter particles, sediments, minerals or chemicals. They don’t change the physical or chemical nature of water so that they won’t affect taste, smell, clarity, or hardness.
But when used in conjunction with a water softener or sediment filter (as most Watersoft systems do), you get both pure and great-tasting water.
Myth 3: UV Treatment Alone Is Enough for All Water Types
Debunked: Though UV can be very effective in eliminating the microorganisms, it won’t disinfect water that’s:
- Cloudy
- High in sediment
- High in hardness or iron
- Chemically contaminated
UV disinfection is only effective if the water is clear enough for light to penetrate. This is why prefiltration is often advised.
At Watersoft, we very commonly combine UV with:
- Sediment filters
- Carbon filters
- Reverse osmosis systems
- Water softeners
They help ensure they work at their best and provide a comprehensive purification process.
Myth 4: UV Systems Are Hard to Maintain
Debunked: In fact, UV systems are extremely low-maintenance. The only maintenance is changing the UV lamp annually to maintain optimal disinfection.
No chemicals, no salt to change out and no ongoing cleaning.
Routine steps include:
- Annual lamp replacement
- Occasional quartz sleeve cleaning
- Monitoring system indicators
And that’s it — easier water treatment doesn’t get much easier than that.
Myth 5: UV Lamps Are Dangerous
Debunked: UV units comprise shielded lamps enclosed in chambers. There is no risk of exposure when used correctly. The system is designed to allow water to flow past the lamp without touching it.
Safety features usually include:
- Protective housings
- When the Gasket is opened, the power shuts down automatically
- Controlled UV output levels
UV is also widely used in hospitals, laboratories, and municipal water treatment—another testament to its safety and longevity.
The Bottom Line
- Chemical-free
- Highly effective
- Environmentally friendly
- Low-maintenance
- Safe for home and commercial use
Now that we’ve sliced through the myths, it’s clear why UV technology is a popular choice for clean, safe drinking water.
At Watersoft, we are experts in purification systems that combine UV treatment with superior filtration—water that is not only safe but also crystal clear and great-tasting.