New Zealand properties often rely on groundwater from bores, wells, and streams. Making this water safe to drink requires proper treatment. Two main options exist: UV lamps and chlorine. Understanding both methods helps property owners make smart choices.
How UV Lamps Work?
UV lamps kill bacteria using ultraviolet light. Water flows through a stainless steel chamber containing a quartz sleeve. The UV lamp sits inside this sleeve and produces light that destroys harmful organisms.
The process happens quickly as water passes through. One pass through the chamber sterilizes drinking water completely. The bacteria cannot survive exposure to UV light. This makes UV lamps highly effective for groundwater treatment.
Understanding Chlorine Treatment
Chlorine gets added directly to water as a chemical treatment. It kills bacteria by sitting in the water over time. Many towns' supplies use chlorine because it keeps working through pipes.
The chemical stays active in water for extended periods. This ongoing protection appeals to large water systems. However, chlorine brings several downsides that matter to property owners.
Problems With Chlorine Treatment
Chlorine creates taste and smell issues in drinking water. Most people notice the chemical flavor immediately. It affects cooking and beverages made with treated water.
Health concerns exist around chlorine consumption. The chemical gets absorbed through the skin during bathing and swimming. Warm water increases absorption rates significantly. Long-term exposure raises questions about body buildup.
Chlorine requires constant monitoring and adjustment. Getting the dose right takes careful measurement. Too little chlorine fails to kill bacteria. Too much creates stronger chemical tastes and potential health risks.
Storage presents another challenge. Chlorine products need safe handling and proper storage conditions. The chemicals degrade over time and require regular replacement.
Advantages of UV Lamps
● UV lamps add nothing to the water. No chemicals means no taste or smell changes. Water tastes fresh and clean straight from the tap. This makes a real difference for drinking and cooking.
● The system works instantly as water flows through. There's no waiting time for treatment to happen. Turn on the tap, and clean water comes out immediately.
● UV lamps need minimal maintenance in New Zealand properties. Annual lamp replacement keeps the system working properly. The quartz sleeve requires yearly cleaning. Seals get changed during regular service visits
● Ma.rine-grade stainless steel chambers last for many years. The durable construction handles New Zealand's varied water conditions. Systems continue working reliably with basic care.
Why UV Lamps Win for Groundwater?
New Zealand groundwater often contains sediment and organic matter. Proper filtration before UV treatment handles these issues. A typical system uses three filter stages before the UV lamp.
First comes a pleated 5-micron filter for sand and sediment. Second is a carbon 5-micron filter for taste and chemical removal. Third uses a melt-blown 1-micron filter for final polishing.
This filtration setup prepares water perfectly for UV lamps. The clear water allows UV light to reach all bacteria effectively. One pass achieves complete sterilization for drinking water safety.
Chlorine struggles with groundwater containing organic matter. The chemical reacts with these materials and loses effectiveness. Higher chlorine doses become necessary, increasing taste and health concerns.
Making the Right Choice
UV lamps offer chemical-free water treatment for New Zealand properties. They kill bacteria effectively without changing the water taste. No harmful chemicals enter drinking water or get absorbed through the skin.
Groundwater treatment works best with UV lamps when proper filtration comes first. The combination delivers safe, clean drinking water reliably. Systems require simple annual maintenance to keep working perfectly.