Improving UV Disinfection Efficiency Through Organic Matter Removal
A client was experiencing ongoing issues with the efficiency of their UV water treatment system. Investigation revealed that high levels of naturally occurring organic material were reducing UV transmittance (UVT), limiting the effectiveness of the UV disinfection process. The source of contamination was traced to peaty ground surrounding the well, with organic matter entering the water supply during periods of heavy rainfall.
Following extensive water testing, PFS Clean Water Management designed a bespoke treatment solution using a blend of Purolite Anion Resins and a Clack WS1 backwashing valve. This solution successfully removed unwanted organic compounds, improved UV transmittance, and restored the performance of the client's UV treatment system while providing a cost-effective and regenerable media solution.
The Challenge: Poor UV System Performance Caused by Organic Contamination
UV disinfection systems rely on adequate UV Transmittance (UVT) to effectively destroy bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful microorganisms. When organic compounds are present in elevated concentrations, they can absorb UV light, dramatically reducing system efficiency.
The client had noticed a decline in UV treatment performance and required specialist assistance to identify the root cause.
Following detailed water analysis by the engineers at PFS Clean Water Management, significant quantities of organic material were identified within the primary water source.
The contamination was the result of:
Peaty ground conditions surrounding the well
Organic matter being washed into the water source during heavy rainfall
Reduced UV transmittance levels
Lower UV disinfection effectiveness
Increased risk of water quality compliance issues
Several potential options were considered, including:
Conditioning the surrounding ground
Improving physical well protection
Developing an alternative water source
However, each option proved impractical or financially unviable at the time. The client required a treatment solution capable of removing organic contaminants directly from the water supply while maintaining reliable long-term operation.
The Solution: Regenerable Anion Resin Treatment System
After evaluating the water chemistry and treatment requirements, PFS Clean Water Management designed and installed a specialist organic removal system.
Treatment System Components
The solution incorporated:
A bespoke blend of Purolite Anion Resins
Clack WS1 Backwashing Control Valve
Salt regeneration capability using standard softener salt
Automated backwashing and regeneration cycles
The carefully selected anion resin blend was designed to target and remove dissolved organic compounds responsible for reducing UV transmittance.
As water passes through the resin bed, organic molecules are captured and removed before reaching the UV treatment stage, significantly improving water clarity and UV penetration.
Why Anion Resin Was Selected
Alternative treatment media were assessed, including:
Activated Carbon
Bone Char Media
While both media types can remove certain organic contaminants, neither offers the regeneration benefits provided by anion resins.
The Purolite resin solution provided several advantages:
✅ Effective organic matter removal
✅ Improved UV transmittance (UVT)
✅ Regeneration using conventional softener salt
✅ Reduced ongoing replacement costs
✅ Longer media lifespan
✅ Lower maintenance requirements
✅ Improved operational efficiency
By selecting a regenerable treatment process, the client benefited from a more sustainable and cost-effective long-term solution.
The Outcome: Improved UV Performance and Lower Operating Costs
The completed installation delivered immediate and measurable improvements to water quality and UV treatment performance.
Project Results
Significant reduction in dissolved organic compounds
Improved UV transmittance (UVT)
Enhanced UV disinfection efficiency
Improved overall water quality
Reduced operational concerns during periods of heavy rainfall
Lower long-term maintenance costs compared to disposable media alternatives
Reliable and sustainable treatment performance
The solution allowed the client to continue using their existing water source while avoiding costly infrastructure changes or source replacement projects.
Most importantly, the treatment process restored confidence in the performance of the UV disinfection system and provided a reliable method of protecting water quality for the future.
Why Regular Servicing is Essential
Organic removal systems and UV treatment equipment require ongoing servicing to maintain peak performance.
At PFS Clean Water Management, our engineers provide specialist servicing and maintenance for:
UV Water Treatment Systems
Anion Resin Systems
Activated Carbon Filters
Borehole Treatment Plants
Commercial Water Treatment Systems
Private Water Supplies
Clean Water Infrastructure
Regular servicing helps:
Maintain UV efficiency
Optimise resin performance
Prevent unexpected downtime
Protect water quality compliance
Extend equipment lifespan
Reduce operational costs
Need Help with UV Water Treatment Performance?
If you're experiencing poor UV performance, low UV transmittance, organic contamination, or water quality issues, the team at PFS Clean Water Management can help.
Our engineers design, install, service, and maintain bespoke water treatment solutions tailored to your site's specific requirements.
Contact PFS Clean Water Management today to discuss your water treatment challenges and keep your system operating at peak performance.
