The mere thought of drinking germ-contaminated water can be nauseating for some people. Yet, that’s the reality for many Americans today. The CDC estimates that at least 1.1 million people across the country get sick every year from ingesting pathogens in tap water, and millions more are at risk of infection. Disinfecting the water seems like the obvious solution, but not all disinfectants are created equal. For instance, chlorine and ultraviolet (UV) light combat microbes in distinctly different ways and have several benefits and limitations that might make one more desirable.
With that in mind, let’s examine how these water purification methods work, their pros and cons, and the situations where each excels so you can decide which one might be better suited for your needs.
Chlorine Water Disinfection: Pros and Cons
Chlorine is by far the most commonly used disinfectant in U.S. drinking water treatment plants. When chlorine is added to water, it forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This potent acid penetrates the microbes’ cell walls, denatures their proteins, and destroys their DNA, so they cannot reproduce or perform vital functions.
Benefits of Chlorine Water Treatment
- Effectively destroys many microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and some parasites
- Maintains a chlorine residual in the water to destroy new biological contaminants
- Cost-effective and readily available
- Easy to use and requires no electricity
Disadvantages of Chlorine Water Treatment
Chlorine might be the most used water disinfectant globally, but it comes with a few practical and health considerations to keep in mind:
- Ineffective against protozoa like Cryptosporidium and Giardia due to their tough protective outer shells
- Can create cancer-causing trihalomethanes (THMs) and other disinfection byproducts (DBPs) when it reacts with natural organic matter in the raw water
- Often leaves an unpleasant chemical taste and odor in the water, depending on the amount added
- Requires continuous use and monitoring
Learn how to remove chlorine from tap water.
UV Water Purification: Pros and Cons
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Municipalities are increasingly turning to UV purification as an effective, safe, and eco-friendly alternative to chlorine. Instead of adding chemicals, UV water purifiers use special UV bulbs that emit a potent dose of UV radiation (wavelength of 253.7 nanometers) to zap germs potentially lurking in the water. The UV rays penetrate and damage the microbes’ genetic material and cell structures, so they can no longer reproduce or infect.
Benefits of UV Water Disinfection
- Reliably destroys up to 99.99% of waterborne microorganisms, including chlorine-resistant protozoa like Cryptosporidium and Giardia
- Uses no chemicals, so there is no change in the water’s taste or smell
- An environmentally friendly alternative to chlorination
- Produces absolutely no undesirable byproducts or chemical residuals
Disadvantages of UV Water Disinfection
UV water purification works well, but like chlorine, it isn’t perfect. Here are a few things to remember as you weigh your options:
- Offers no residual protection against newly introduced pathogens in the water
- Only effective if the water being treated is clear
- Has a higher initial cost than basic chlorination (pays for itself over time)
- Needs electricity to operate
Learn more: How UV Systems Work and Why You Need One for Your Home
Choosing Between Chlorine and UV Treatment for Water Disinfection
UV and chlorine are excellent water disinfectants, but which should you choose? The answer depends on your water quality, usage needs, family’s health considerations, taste preferences, and budget. Of course, we won’t leave you high and dry, so here’s a handy guide to help you decide.
Chlorine water disinfection is a better choice if:
- You want an affordable, low-maintenance water disinfection solution.
- You mainly need protection against everyday germs.
- You don’t mind if your water has a chemical-like aftertaste or smell.
- Your water doesn’t contain chlorine-tolerant germs.
If you choose this method, Springwell’s Chemical Injection System offers an incredibly cost-effective and efficient way to chlorinate your tap water supply. The system adds an accurate chlorine residual to the water to destroy new germs that may invade it as it passes through your pipes or sits in storage tanks. Afterward, you can add a whole-house water filter to remove the chlorine if you don’t want it lingering in the water once it’s done its job.
UV water purification works better if:
- You don’t want to add any chemicals to your drinking water.
- Your water contains chlorine-resistant germs that can be removed with UV (a water test can help you determine this).
- You’re looking for a safe, environmentally-friendly disinfection option.
- You’re willing to spend more up front to purchase and install the UV equipment.
If UV is the right choice for your family, a UV Water Purification System from Springwell can destroy 99.99% of harmful pathogens, including those chlorine cannot handle. It also features an electronic monitor that tracks the system’s performance and lets you know how many days before you should replace the UV lamp and sleeve (both usually last a year). This UV system is also an excellent add-on for our Whole House Systems, providing total home protection against harmful waterborne germs.
The Bottom Line
UV light and chlorine are seasoned germ slayers, but choosing the right one depends on your preferences and the strengths and weaknesses of each method. Hopefully, this guide provided everything you need to make a confident and informed decision. If not, call us at 800-589-5592 or request a free consultation, and one of our experts will contact you ASAP.
Chlorine vs. UV Light: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How quickly do UV and chlorine kill bacteria in water?
UV systems can take milliseconds to seconds to destroy waterborne germs. However, the exact time will depend on the UV dose, water flow rate, water quality, and numerous other factors. Chlorine typically needs up to 30 minutes or more to inactivate microbes entirely, though some pathogens may take considerably longer due to their remarkable resistance to chlorine. This speed difference is why UV systems don’t need holding tanks, while most chlorine injection systems do.
Which method removes more germs from water?
UV purifiers can kill up to 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, and chlorine-tolerant cysts like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, making it one of the most effective water disinfection methods. Chlorine can also combat a wide range of pathogenic microbes, but may struggle against those with thicker cell walls.
Do UV water purification systems need to be maintained?
Yes, most UV water systems need some upkeep to keep working their best. Maintaining Springwell’s UV water purifiers, in particular, involves replacing the UV bulb and UV sleeve every year. Our UV system has a built-in monitor that will tell you when to replace them and how much life is left.