The UV industry survey: insights from water professionals

As water utilities work to navigate challenges such as aging infrastructure, climate-related events, and emerging contaminants, advanced water treatment technologies like ultraviolet (UV) irradiation are gaining traction. A recent article in Journal AWWA, co-authored by Carollo’s Tara Randall, uses an industry-wide survey to dive into how the water sector perceives the role of UV treatment today and in the future.

UV Irradiation’s Expanding Role in Advanced Water Treatment

UV treatment is used across the water, wastewater, and reuse sectors for both disinfection and contaminant destruction. Its versatility includes pairing with oxidants in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to target persistent contaminants like 1,4-dioxane. As direct potable reuse regulations emerge in states like California and Colorado, UV’s role is becoming more integral, especially where it’s mandated as part of multi-barrier treatment processes.

Additionally, while federal regulations for 1,4-dioxane don’t yet exist, 12 states already regulate the compound, heightening the need for effective treatment technologies. Meanwhile, the EPA plans to revise the Microbial and Disinfection Byproducts Rule by 2025, further underscoring the growing relevance of UV in safeguarding water quality.

Survey Explores Current Sentiment on UV and LED Advancements

To better understand the current state of UV implementation and perception, Randall and co-author conducted a survey targeting UV-experienced professionals across utilities, academia, and manufacturing. The survey offered insight into drivers of UV system selection, satisfaction, and emerging trends, particularly surrounding mercury-based versus LED-based UV systems.

Most utilities and manufacturers agreed on the benefits of traditional mercury UV systems, though manufacturers had a more favorable view of their cost-effectiveness and operator-friendliness. One key takeaway across all groups was the value of UV’s low chemical handling requirements, especially in light of pandemic-era supply chain issues that have disrupted chemical availability.

UV LED Adoption Is Growing, Despite Hurdles

UV LED technology is beginning to gain attention due to benefits like mercury-free operation and better on/off control. However, barriers to adoption remain, especially around cost, energy efficiency, and regulatory validation. While LEDs currently lag behind traditional mercury lamps in electrical efficiency, advancements are progressing rapidly. Notably, 24% of surveyed utilities indicated they are actively considering UV LED systems for future projects.

The survey also revealed ongoing research into the validation and full-scale deployment of UV LED systems, including projects supported by The Water Research Foundation. As regulatory frameworks catch up with innovation, utilities and manufacturers alike are watching closely.

To explore the full survey results and analysis, read the complete article in Journal AWWA.