UV systems are not interchangeable. Health Canada distinguishes Class A systems for appropriate disinfection applications from Class B systems used for additional treatment of water already safe to drink. [3]
Clear water paths matter.
Particles can block UV light, so water may need filtration before the UV unit. The unit also needs electricity; a power loss matters unless there is a backup supply. Nova Scotia recommends following the manufacturer’s water-quality requirements and testing treated water to check performance. [7]
Questions to take to a provider.
- What do my laboratory results show?
- Which UV class and exact model are proposed, and why?
- What pretreatment is required for my water?
- What flow rate is the system designed to treat?
- What alerts or shut-off features are included?
- What should we do during a power cut or alarm?
- What is the lamp and sleeve maintenance schedule?
- Who will arrange follow-up testing?
A light on the unit is not a lab result.
Record service dates and follow the operating instructions. Discuss what testing is needed after installation and when conditions change. If your water is under an advisory or a laboratory result identifies a problem, follow official instructions rather than assuming an installed device makes the issue go away.
Quick questions
Does UV replace a softener or an iron filter?
Those technologies have different jobs. Ask how each proposed component relates to your results.
How do I check a proposed UV system?
Ask for its model, certified class, operating limits and maintenance instructions. Match those details to your water report.