10 Best Water Purifiers 2021 | And Why They Are Worth Buying

There are many of you out there that will be looking for the most thorough form of water purification available for households and you’ve certainly found one of them here.

Ultraviolet (UV) water purifier systems destroy harmful organisms found in water supplies by exposing them to UV electromagnetic energy. These systems really are incredible at water purification and will remove some of the most harmful and well-known organisms including E.Coli, Cholera, Salmonella and more.

It is important to note that these systems are not designed to remove particles such as dirt or metals, chemicals or odours from water supplies. However, it is relatively easy to combine a UV water purifier system with a water filter system, depending on the set up of your property and the type of water supply you have.

Contents

Our Top Picks
Best UV Water Purifier Systems of 2021:
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
- Key Considerations
When you may need a UV water purifier system

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Viqua VH410 Home Stainless Steel UltraViolet Water Disinfection System - 34GPM 3/4 MNPT 120V

Viqua VH410 Ultraviolet Disinfection System

31 Reviews

Check Price

Best Overall

Viqua VH410 Ultraviolet Disinfection System

31 Reviews

Check Price

Best UV Water Purifier Systems of 2021:

Best Choice

Name

Viqua VH410 Ultraviolet Disinfection System

Our Rating

Amazon Rating

Number Of Reviews

31 Reviews

Check Price

Best Choice

Name

Viqua VH410 Ultraviolet Disinfection System

Our Rating

Amazon Rating

Number Of Reviews

31 Reviews

Check Price

We have put together the best three UV water purifier systems on the market right now, along with a summary of the key features, benefits and potential pitfalls for you to consider. It is always important to understand exactly how a system will benefit you and meet your requirements, before making a buying decision.

1. Pure Water Mini-Classic CT Counter Top Water Distiller

Viqua VH410 Ultraviolet Disinfection System

First on our list is this fantastic unit from Viqua, a powerful UV system that is deceptively small but thanks to its power, will deliver the same performance of a bigger system.

Compatibility:

Like most UV water purifiers, you can choose to install this on its own or alongside a water filter for added filtration depending on your needs.

Installation:

Easy to install, it can be set up either vertically or horizontally, although it is recommended you choose the vertical option. You get almost everything you need in the box including a bracket for wall mounting, but it is likely you will need to buy additional fittings to connect it to your waterline.

Performance:

This Viqua UV water purifier works with both city and well water and has a flow rate up to 18 GPM, one of the more powerful on the market right now. Its lamp will work for approximately 9,000 hours before needing to be replaced, which is around one year for most households. A helpful digital screen will help guide you when this is required.

Pros	Cons
A powerful unit with a flow rate of up to 18 GPM A more compact model compared to some others and it can be installed either vertically or horizontally Quick and easy to install and get running	You will need to buy extra fittings to connect it to the waterline Whilst it is relatively simple to install, you may need support if you are very new to DIY

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2. Pelican Premium Ultra Violet (UV) Disinfection System

Pelican Premium Ultra Violet (UV) Disinfection System

An environmentally friendly, effective system for anyone wanting to kill microorganisms that cause illness and disease, such as bacteria and viruses.

Flow Rate::

Pelican has created a system that doesn’t affect the taste or odour of your water and allows for a flow rate of between 9 to 16 GPM, suitable levels for most households.

Performance:

This UV water purifier system claims to have an NSF 55 Class B certification, something many others lack, which gives you the peace of mind that it truly does clean water and make it safe to drink. With a simple, easy to maintain set up where you only have to clean the lamp every few months and replace it once a year, it is a great choice for most households.

Features:

Pelican has put in a few nice extras to make this model stand out, firstly its display that helps track when a new lamp is required. Secondly, they have thought about child safety, implementing a child lock to stop children from accessing the hot bulb or being able to power it up unless it’s in the special chamber.

Pros	Cons
You get everything you need in the box to install it Child safety features to stop children accessing the hot lamp or powering it up Easy to install with clear instructions and videos for extra support	There have been reports of the system being a little noisy It can sometimes heat up water that sits inside it, so you may need to run the water a little until the water cools down.

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3. Vitapur Ultraviolet Disinfection System

Vitapur Ultraviolet Disinfection System

The next on our list is this UV water purifier system from Vitapur, another system that has been certified to the NSF 55 Class B requirements. This means you can trust this product to deliver clean, safe water for your family to drink or use.

Compatibility:

This is suitable for well water as well for those who aren’t connected to the local authorities water supply.

Performance:

Using a simple, non-invasive UV system, you don’t need to worry about any unwanted chemicals being added to the water supply and its lamps will run for around 9,000 hours before needing to be replaced, which is approximately a year for a standard household. Don’t worry about having to remember to replace the lamp either, as the handy built-in system will remind you when it’s time.

Installation:

We have to say that this isn’t the easiest UV water purifier system to install and the manufacturer does recommend getting professional assistance. If you want to do it yourself, then make sure you follow the instructions and have at least some plumbing experience first.

Pros	Cons
It has been certified by the NSF for its disinfection ability Clear reminders for when the lamp needs changing and an easy change over process A high-quality system that will last the test of time	It isn’t the easiest to install and it is likely you will need to get support from a professional There have been some customers who have noticed the system leaking

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4. Viqua D4 Premium

As the name suggests, the Viqua D4 Premium is a high-end UV water filter designed for the whole house. They’ve used some innovative technology, design and features to really make this one of the best UV water purifiers for well water.

Flow Rate:

It is a common problem with water treatment systems, that the flow rate becomes an issue. However, with a flow rate of 12 gallons per minute (GPM), this water filter will deliver water quickly and efficiently compared to other systems on the market.

Features:

One of the main features is a constant current, which means the UV lamp will continue to work even if you suffer from a power cut. This is particularly important for those concerned about having access to safe, clean drinking water in times of emergency. They have also installed an interactive screen that provides all relevant information such as the status of the UV filter, troubleshooting information and contact information.

Design:

Viqua has gone with a small, compact design that makes the most of space to deliver similar performance levels to much larger UV water purifiers. This leads to a relatively simple installation process and with a 9,000-hour lamp life you won’t need to replace it for approximately a year.

Pros	Cons
A stylish, compact design that delivers the same performance as much larger UV water purifiers It has a constant current feature so that it will still work even when the power cuts out A helpful interactive display telling you all the useful information about the purifier	One of the more expensive systems on the list

5. Pentair Pelican PC-600

Another whole-house UV water purifier now and this time it’s from one of the industry leaders Pentair. For those customers who want one of the best UV water filters, with minimal maintenance and waste then you should look no further.

Performance:

As a result of its specialist up-flow design, it will not waste any water during the filtration and condition process. This is quite uncommon as other systems require water purifiers to backwash after a certain period of time which can waste an incredible amount of water.

Filtration:

Thanks to the UV attachment on this water filter, it will help remove countless harmful contaminants including chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, viruses and more. For those who truly want safe, clean drinking water then this will do it.

Design:

Pentair has used high-quality fittings for every part, helping to prolong the lifespan and performance, whilst minimising maintenance. Fortunately, should you need to replace any parts then they are easily obtained and reasonably priced.

Pros	Cons
It will remove countless harmful contaminants including heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, viruses and more This system uses an up-flow design to stop any wastewater from being produced despite being a whole house UV water purifier. It is made from high-quality parts and requires minimal maintenance	One of the top of the line and demands a premium price

6. Aquasana Well Water Rhino w/ UV Filter

The next whole house water filtration system comes from Aquasana and this is all about delivering clean drinking water that your family can trust. The manufacturer has a background in creating innovative filters and they’ve done that here.

Performance:

When you buy this UV water purification system it includes a pre-sediment filter to remove larger particles, a carbon filter for smaller particles that help balance the pH level and then a UV filter takes over. This UV filter will remove any potentially harmful microorganisms found in water, particularly important for those with a well water supply or who live in areas with poor water supplies.

Extras:

You have the choice of getting an additional salt-free water conditioner to soften the water supply. This is a great choice for those who live in hard water areas and want to protect their pipes and appliances from scale build-up.

Warranty:

Aquasana provides a 5-year warranty with this device which will give you peace of mind that it is expected to last and perform well for years to come.

Pros	Cons
It is an effective whole-house water filtration system, removing bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and more It has a pre-sediment filter and a separate UV filter The carbon filter helps to manage the pH level of your drinking water	The flow rate reaches 7 gallons of water per minute, which is reasonable but lower than some other systems

7. Springwell UV Purifier

An interesting UV water purifier now from Springwell as this Blackcomb 5.1 purifier is actually designed to attach to an existing whole-house water filter. As a result, this has been designed to use UV light to absolutely destroy potential bacteria, pathogens and viruses.

Flow Rate:

With a water flow rate of 15 gallons per minute (GPM), you won’t get frustrated by having to wait around for clean, safe drinking water when you need it most. This is particularly important for households that suffer from water pressure issues.

Performance:

This really is where the Blackcomb 5.1 from Springwell stands out from the crowd. Its UV light is powerful enough to ensure 99.9% of harmful bacteria, viruses and pathogens (including Cryptosporidium and Giardia) are removed from your water supply. These are common in many untreated water supplies and some well water supplies.

Features:

Springwell has thought about how technology can make a difference, having designed this system to allow you to upgrade and make changes. Futureproofing is a rare thing for many UV water filters but they’ve thought about it here. On top of that, you will have a user interface that shows key information including the lamp life span, error codes and guidance on how to resolve issues.

Pros	Cons
An impressive 15 gallons per minute (GPM) water flow rate which is double some of the other water filters on our list. It will effectively kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens It contains some of the latest technology including a visual interface to help detect errors	It is designed to attach to an existing whole house water filtration system as opposed to replacing one

8. Crystal Quest UV

The Crystal Quest UB system is another that fits on to existing water filters, as a perfect partner for those who already have a water filter for sediment, heavy metals and harmful contaminants removed by carbon filters.

Performance:

Despite running from a standard 110V power source, this UV water filter is powerful enough to remove bacteria, viruses and more from your household drinking water. This is vital if you suspect there may be pathogens or any microorganisms in your water supply, or perhaps you’ve recently got a report from your local authority.

Maintenance:

A UV system like this requires minimal maintenance and its lamp life is approximately 9000 hours. This means they will last the best part of one year before you will need to consider replacing it.

Flow Rate:

The one real downside of the Crystal Quest UV water purification system is that it only offers a flow rate of 6GPM, which is a lot lower than many other UV purification systems on our list.

Pros	Cons
It will kill bacteria, viruses and any other protozoa in your water supply It will work well with most standard existing water purification systems A useful option for those who have a well water supply leading to their household	It only has a water flow rate of 6 gallons per minute (GPM)

9. HQUA-OWS-124 Ultraviolet Water Purifier Whole House Purification Sterilizer

When you first get your new UV water filter from HQUA, you will notice just how impressive the build quality is. They believe in providing the best to their customers and providing the best support throughout the lifespan of the UV light as well.

Performance:

You will get a 55 Watt UV light that purifies your water, ensuring the entire household gets clean, safe drinking water. Whilst purifying your water, it achieves an impressive 12GPM flow rate, so you won’t get frustrated waiting for water to flow to the faucet.

Design:

It has been made with stainless steel and Quartz glass to make it more durable in different temperatures and pressures. They have made sure these are the only materials to come into contact with your water supply and have designed the chamber so that it transmits an impressive 90% of UV light.

Installation:

Easy to install, with fantastic customer service support whenever you need it. Furthermore, there is minimal maintenance except for the important task of cleaning the Quartz sleeve every 6 months or so.

Pros	Cons
High-quality UV system made from stainless steel An effectively flow rate of 12GPM means you will get plenty of safe drinking water whenever you need it It is quick and easy to install this UV water filter, with minimal maintenance required	You do need to ensure the Quartz sleeve is cleaned every 6 months or so

10. Bluonics Ultraviolet Light Water Purifier

The last UV light on our list is this one from Bluonics, a fantastic unit that not only comes with everything you need but they actually provide extras. A strong choice for those wanting that long-term solution to their water purification needs.

Performance:

This UV lamp does exactly what you would expect, providing an effective defence against the harmful contaminants found in water supplies, particularly well water systems. It uses a 55 Watt ballast and will work as a whole-house water purification system, except for some of the bigger households.

Flow Rate:

You get a water flow rate of 12 gallons per minute (GPM) with this system from Bluonics, more than enough for the average household. This is an impressive rate for a UV lamp and will give peace of mind to those who struggle with water pressure in their household.

Installation:

Yet another that claims to be easy to install and from customer reviews it seems that is the case. When you order this ultraviolet water system you will not only get everything you need but a whole host of replacements including extra tubes and bulbs.

Pros	Cons
This UV light is very easy to install and has minimal maintenance You can use this UV lamp for both residential and commercial properties You can use this system for well water	You do need to replace the UB lamp bulbs every year depending on usage

Summary

Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the best UV water purifier systems on the market right now. These are fantastic solutions for those wanting a safe, clean water supply, ensuring your family are able to drink or cook without any worry. It is always important to fully understand the product, how it works and what your individual requirements are, before making a purchasing decision.

Pros and Cons

A UV water purifier system looks like thin lamps which are installed at the water point of entry, ensuring you filter all water entering into your home water supply. There are some fantastic pros and cons to choosing this type of purification system and we have put together the most important below:

Pros

No chemicals

This purification method uses UV and as a result, doesn’t use any chemicals. This can be a big bonus for many people worried about what is in the water that they are drinking, washing with or cooking with.

Nothing is added

As a result of nothing being added to the water in this process, you won’t find any unwanted changes to taste or odour. You may still need to add an extra layer of filtration depending on your water supply to further improve the taste.

Safe to drink

If you use a UV water purifier system then you can drink knowing it is safe to do so, even if you have concerns about the water supply. This is one of the most important things to have for your household and this kind of system won’t let you down.

Minimal maintenance

A massive bonus is that these systems require minimal maintenance compared to other types of filtration systems. This is because you don’t need to change the various filters involved in other units and simply clean or change the UV lamp.

Cons

Whilst we do not believe there are cons to choosing a UV water purifier system, there are certainly some limitations that may make another type of system more beneficial for your individual needs.

It won’t remove contaminants

Whilst a UV system will remove any living microorganisms, it won’t remove any contaminants found that affect the taste or odour of the water. If this is what you require, then you are best served with a different type of filtration system.

It requires power

As a result of it using a UV lamp, it requires power and should you have a power cut, then you will lose the UV filtration of your water. This might be a rare situation but some locations do suffer from more power cuts than others.

It might heat the water

It has been known for a UV water purifier system to warm up the water if you haven’t used the faucet in a while. However, this is easily dealt with by running the water briefly until it cools again.

Key Considerations

There are some key considerations to be aware of when looking for the best UV water purifier system for you, to ensure that you not only choose the best for your specific needs but also avoid some key mistakes that can prove costly.

Budget

Just like most other filtration systems, UV purifiers come in a range of prices, from as little as $100. The more complex, advanced systems will cost a few hundred dollars and so it is important to think about your budget, whether that gets you what you need and then plan accordingly.

Space

Whilst you can get UV water purifier systems that come in all different shapes and sizes, the vast majority will be unsuitable for small cupboards due to the long lamps. However, you can still find compact versions that have reasonable power, so it isn’t the end of the world. The more important consideration is to check the measurements of where you want the UV purifier and choosing the right model for you.

Flow Rate

All purification and filtration systems have some kind of effect on the water flow rate, as a result of processing the water in some way. UV water purifier systems will mention the Gallons Per Minute (GPM), which will be your guide to how quickly water flows through the system. You want the best possible, but you also need to know your home water flow rate to help choose the best one for you.

Water Quality

This is a big one for every household because in general, your household water supply will have quite unique characteristics. This could include harder water, great sediment levels or having high levels of calcium. You need to understand whether a UV water purifier system will offer the solution you need on its own, or you need to combine it with a filter or softener.

Purification Requirements

If you’re looking for a system that removes living microorganisms, then a UV water purifier is definitely a great choice. However, if you wanted to improve the taste of your water supply or remove chemicals or sediments, then it won’t be the right choice of purification system. One option is to test your water supply using home solutions, to understand the components of your water.

When you may need a UV water purifier system

There are three key situations when you may wish to consider a UV system and these are:

Standard home water supply

If you get water from the local authority, then it is important to still test your water, as it may well need the treatment that a UV water purifier offers. Whilst authorities will try and treat the water, there is no guarantee that it remains clear all the way to your home.

Well water supply

There are still many homes that get their water from a well and in this situation, a UV water purifier system is a fantastic way to ensure that the water you use in the home is clean and safe, whether that is drinking, cooking or washing with.

Travelling

Whilst not as popular as the other uses, more and more people are thinking about taking a purification system with them when travelling. Having access to a clean, safe source of water is the most important consideration and a UV purifier will make this happen, no matter the source you find.