UV and Advanced Disinfection Methods

Killing or inactivating pathogens with light, ozone, and advanced chemistry.

Disinfection is the final barrier against disease in drinking water and a key step in reuse. Chlorine remains common; UV and ozone offer complementary strengths.

Main Methods

• Chlorine and chloramine — residual protection in pipes
• Ultraviolet (UV) light — damages pathogen DNA
• Ozone — strong oxidant and disinfectant
• Advanced oxidation — for tough micropollutants

UV needs clear water and does not leave a residual. Ozone is powerful but must be generated on site.

Choosing Methods

Utilities often combine methods. The right mix depends on source water, infrastructure, and regulations.

Disinfection is invisible when it works — and essential to public health every day.