Posted by Jeff Wahl on 1/18/2025 to
UV System Education
Choosing an ultra violet disinfection system to treat your water can be a challenging and complicated purchase as there are many different models on the market. How do you know what system to trust with your water quality? What system is right for a small cottage, average or large home? Will the UV system I choose have the necessary output to deal with a high level of e.Coli or coliform bacteria?How do I know which UV System to Choose?
I have reviewed six of the most popular UV systems available to Canadians and selected, in my opinion, the best overall system, highest technology, most economical as well as the system with the most optional features. New in this year's review are off grid 12 volt or 120 volt systems for solar and generator applications. Included are the electrical draw for each system, the length and dimensions as well as the available plumbing connections.
Have you considered the water flow rates in your home or cottage when selecting a UV system? It is possible to have a system with too low of a flow rate to ensure proper bacterial disinfection of your water when multiple plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, showers, dishwashers or washing machines are using water at the same time.
*** This review has no endorsement by any manufacturer and is solely based on my experience with treating water.
Water Quality & Installation Considerations
When selecting a Ultra Violet Disinfection System be sure to consider the water quality requirements for hardness, iron, tannin, sulphur and transmittance levels. This is important to ensure the proper operation of the system. A filter housing with sediment filtration achieving five microns should precede all UV Systems. Ensure that system is properly sized for your water flow rate and that it can be easily maintained where it is installed.
Best Overall Rated Ultraviolet (UV) SystemThe Luminor Blackcomb-HO Crossover 5.0 - 10 GPM - 3/4" MPT-AV Alarm | LBH5-101 by Luminor Environmental has been given my best overall rating as it has a high 10 gallon per minute flow rate and is applicable to most residential homes and cottages. It has a shorter profile which makes it ideal for maintenance and fits in a crawlspace, pumphouse, closet or any location. The wider chamber allows for greater contact time for the UV Rays with the water and it utilizes a high output ultraviolet lamp for higher flow connections.
The digital lamp counter indicates the days remaining for a lamp change with a warning when it time to replace it. An optional sensor port allows for the connection of a UV sensor to monitor the output of the lamp for a higher level of protection.
FEATURES - High Output | Short Profile | 3/4" Inlet & Outlet | Digital Lamp Counter | Optional Accessories
Highest Level of Ultraviolet (UV) Technology
The UV Pure 500P Hallett 16.5GPM Ultra Violet Disinfection System | G14 water disinfection systems are equipped with real time monitoring of the ultraviolet lamp intensity and of the clarity (transmittance) of the water to provide a high level of disinfection. The twin ultraviolet lamps are located outside of the internal quartz sleeve and there is no chance of contact with the water.
This system also features a self cleaning mechanism for the quartz sleeve to keep it clean at all times. Cross Fire Technology ensures that there is contact by the UV Ray 360 degrees as the water passes through the inside of quartz sleeve. It can also operate on up to 50 grains of hardness and up to 3 ppm of iron which makes it ideal for well water applications without pre treatment for hardness or iron first.
FEATURES - Real Time Monitoring | Self Cleaning UV Sleeve | High Output Twin UV Lamps | Message History for Troubleshooting
Most Economical Ultraviolet (UV) System
The UVD320E by UVDynamics is my choice for the best economical UV System delivering a high output dose of UV Rays. It is applicable for situations with average flow rates and the cost for replacement lamps, quartz sleeves and parts are some of the most economical in the country.
This is a great choice for smaller homes and cottages with all of the necessary features to provide proper disinfection of the water. There is no digital lamp counter and this system features a lamp reminder based on months of running time to ensure maintenance is completed.
The single connection at the top of the unit for the quartz sleeve and ultraviolet lamp are easy to service.
FEATURES - Economical Replacement Parts | 8 GPM Flow @ 40 mJ/cm2 | Lamp Replacement Reminder
New Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection System
The Viqua Arros 9 Ultraviolet (UV) Disinfection System | 9 GPM | ARROS9 by Trojan Technologies is my choice for the newest UV System in the Canadian market. It has been designed for simpler maintenance and easy of installation with multiple directions that the system can be installed. Stream technology ensures that both the ultraviolet lamp and quartz sleeve are replaced annually.
The controller is fully digital and lists replacement parts required as well as dealer information to contact if you are looking for service on the system. A colour coded light appears for the status of the ultraviolet lamp for visual reference to know when there is a problem or if the system is operating properly.
FEATURES - Multiple Installation Options | Compact Size | Easy to Change UV Lamp | Digital Lamp Counter
2023 Previous Ultraviolet (UV) Best Selection
The Sterilight VH410 by Viqua has been given my best overall rating as it has a high 14 gallon per minute flow rate and is applicable to most residential homes and cottages. It has a shorter profile which makes it ideal for maintenance and fits in a crawlspace, pumphouse, closet or any location.
The wider chamber allows for greater contact time for the UV Rays with the water and it has available one inch inlet and outlet ports for higher flow connections.
The digital lamp counter indicates the days remaining for a lamp change with a warning when it time to replace it.
FEATURES - High Flow Rates | Short Profile | 3/4" & 1" Inlet & Outlet | Digital Lamp Counter
Off Grid 12V or 120V Capabilities
The Luminor 12VDC Blackcomb Off Grid UV Disinfection 6.0 GPM - 3/4" MPT | LB6-06-12V by Luminor Environmental is powered by two bare wire leads for a battery connection or with the optional 120 volt kit to plug it into a generator or solar powered outlet. The system is rated for up to six gallons per minute and is ideal for small off grid building to provide disinfection of the water. The controller provides status updates and lamp life, it can be turned on and off with use of the water. Lower rated flows are also available and this system is expandable to add additional features if required.
3/4" plumbing connections provide options for standard plumbing. The digital lamp counter indicates the days remaining for a lamp change with a warning when it time to replace it.
FEATURES - Off Grid Application | Status Updates | 3/4" Inlet & Outlet | Digital Lamp Counter
Best Practice Recommendations
It is important to remember that UV Lamps and Quartz Sleeves require replacement / cleaning and most systems have these removed from the top of the unit. Generally you require the length of the UV Chamber above the system available without obstruction, to remove the lamp and sleeve properly during maintenance. Consult a water treatment professional if you are unsure or have questions about the proper application of any UV System.
Volume 7 – Issue 7 Wahl H2O - Water Awareness
Copyright 2025 Jeff Wahl – Wahl Water | All Rights Reserved
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