UV disinfection is a physical process that instantaneously neutralizes microorganisms as they pass by ultraviolet lamps submerged in the effluent. The process adds nothing to the water but UV light, and therefore, has no impact on the chemical composition or the dissolved oxygen content of the water. In that respect, it ensures compliance with ever-tightening wastewater effluent discharge regulations.

The adoption of ultraviolet light for wastewater disinfection has grown significantly over the past few decades. Today, over twenty percent of wastewater treatment plants in North America employ this environmentally-friendly technology. Thousands of municipalities have converted from chemical-based disinfection, such as chlorine gas, to UV due to the significant safety advantages for their communities, plant employees and local water bodies. As new wastewater treatment plants are constructed around the world, UV is most often selected for disinfection because of the cost savings in both initial construction and long term operation.

The communities downstream of UV-based wastewater treatment plants also appreciate the decision to incorporate ultraviolet disinfection. UV is the only cost-effective disinfection alternative that does not have the potential to create or release carcinogenic by-products into the environment. In addition, UV is an effective disinfectant for chlorine resistant protozoa like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. While unregulated in wastewater, these harmful protozoa, if left untreated, can find their way into drinking water intakes located downstream of the wastewater treatment plant. The selection of UV for wastewater disinfection ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.