UV disinfection system applied to borehole water purification

The process of drinking water from boreholes is based on a totally physical principle. In other words, it destroys disease-causing microorganisms.

This treatment is carried out by the germicidal effect of UVc rays which suppresses organisms while totally respecting the environment:

germs
virus
bacteria
mushrooms
seaweed

It is effective even for water recovered at depth such as borehole water.

If you want to equip yourself with an effective disinfection system for the purification of borehole water, the complete range of UV reactors for Water for Human Consumption / Sterilization can be consulted online, and the sizing can be carried out on this page.

Disinfection system benefits

In addition to guaranteeing healthy water free of any risk of contamination by microorganisms, UV treatment of water is also part of an environmental approach:

In terms of health, the water treatment, without the addition of harmful pool products, guarantees swimming without the risk of allergies and respiratory diseases (non-chemical)
It is also of interest in terms of comfort by ensuring clear, crystal clear and odorless water.
The absence of chlorine makes for a safe, environmentally-friendly process.
UV treatment makes it possible to achieve real savings thanks to a long service life of the installations and simple, reliable, and long-lasting equipment.
Last but not least, the system can be installed and maintained quickly and easily.

Sizing advice: UV disinfection applied to borehole water purification

On the page dedicated to UV reactors for Water for Human Consumption / Sterilization, we offer many solutions (up to a unit flow rate of 130 m3/h). If your flow rate exceeds 130 m³/h, please ask us!

Select “Water for Human Consumption / Sterilization“
Select the source of water to be purified, for example “Drinking borehole water”.
Enter the flow rate to be treated (for example 25 m3/h)
Adjust the cost of electricity in your country (for example 0.09€ for France; 0.23€ for Germany)
Let 30 mJ / cm² (or adapt)
Specify the temperature of the water (normally, between 5 and 40°C is sufficient)
Please enter your email address so that we can send you the design right away.

In any case, to ensure optimal disinfection and to decide if pre-filters are necessary, it is recommended to carry out an analysis of the water source with these parameters:

Iron
Hardness
Turbidity
Manganese
Suspended solids (TSS)
Transmittance UV

FAQ

Does UV disinfection remove pests like Giardia or Cryptosporidium?

Yes, ultraviolet C (UV-C) radiation is particularly effective against pests like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. These microorganisms have an outer membrane that makes them highly resistant to conventional chemical disinfectants such as chlorine. On the other hand, UV rays act directly on their DNA, preventing any reproduction or propagation in the human body. This is one of the reasons why UV disinfection is often preferred to treat borehole water of unknown or poorly controlled origin.

Should the water be tested before installing a UV system?

Absolutely. A complete physico-chemical analysis of the water is an essential step before any UV treatment installation. It can detect the presence of iron, manganese, suspended solids or too high turbidity, all of which can block or scatter UV rays and reduce their effectiveness. If these elements are present, an appropriate pre-treatment – filtration, softening, or deferization – must be put in place to guarantee a truly reliable disinfection. It is also this diagnosis that guides the sizing of the UV system.

How long does a UV lamp last and how do I know when to replace it?

The standard lifespan of a low-pressure UV lamp is around 9,000 to 10,000 hours, which is continuous operation for one year. Some amalgam lamps can reach up to 13,000 hours. Beyond this threshold, the UV intensity gradually decreases even if the lamp still seems to be working. It is therefore recommended to follow the replacement schedule provided by the manufacturer. Many systems include an hour meter or a visual alert to signal the end of the lamp’s life, ensuring continuous and safe disinfection.

Does UV disinfection change the taste or smell of the water?

No, UV disinfection is a completely physical process that does not change the organoleptic characteristics of the water. Unlike chlorine or other chemical disinfectants that often leave an unpleasant taste or residual odor, UV leaves no residue. This makes it a particularly popular solution for homes, chalets or rural cottages, where users are looking for healthy water that is also pleasant to drink. This treatment is therefore perfectly suited for food uses such as cooking, beverages or hygiene.

Is a UV system enough to make borehole water drinkable?

A UV system provides excellent microbiological disinfection, but it is not always enough to make the borehole water drinkable in all cases. It does not treat pesticides, nitrates, heavy metals or hydrocarbons that can contaminate the water. This is why a complete analysis of the water remains essential before any treatment. Depending on the results, UV disinfection can be combined with other solutions: activated carbon filter, reverse osmosis, softener, etc. The objective is to adapt the treatment chain to the risks identified to ensure that the water supply complies with health standards.