Water disinfection is the process of reducing the amount of harmful pathogens in a water supply. This can be achieved through simple chemical, filtration and radiation methods or a combination of techniques.
Chemical disinfectants and treatments are often reserved for municipal and large water distribution networks, while point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) systems rely on filtration and deep ultraviolet light (UVC). In these systems, filtration removes chemical and organic contaminants, while UVC addresses microbial threats from bacteria, viruses and cysts.
Some systems will also combine UVC with photo-catalysts to produce hydroxyl radicals to help remove organic compounds and pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs).