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.
Our Top Picks
Best UV Water Purifier Systems of 2021:
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
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.
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2. 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.
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3. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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