UV sanitization is used to guard against bacteria and other micro-organisms. When unchlorinated water is stored for any period of time, it is a prime breeding ground for heterotrophic (non-disease-causing) bacteria and micro-organisms. That can lead to a build-up of biofilm. Ultraviolet sanitization can be used in bottleless water system tanks to inactivate or kill micro-organisms, typically by destroying their DNA or their cell wall membranes. Independent testing has certified UV technology to eliminate:
- 99.9999% of bacteria
- 99.999% of viruses
- 99.9% of parasites