• Ultraviolet light is a highly effective disinfectant against biological pathogens.

• Potential pathogens in a water supply could include viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, which would pose a serious public health risk.

• Viruses are easily disinfected with chlorine, and potential viruses could include polio and hepatitis.

• Bacteria is another biological pathogen, and could include E-coli.

• Protozoa include pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. These are chlorine-resistant oocysts or parasites that can be present in lake or river water. They can cause severe intestinal distress if ingested. The young, the old, and those with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk.

Cryptosporidium parvum is known to infect humans. It can survive extended periods under harsh environmental conditions. At present there is no effective pharmaceutical therapy to treat cryptosporidiosis.

Giardia lamblia is the most common cause of human protozoan infection. Giardia infection, giardiasis, causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and bloating. Giardiasis is commonly referred to as “hiker’s disease” or “camper’s disease.”

• Thanks to an effective watershed control program, no Cryptosporidium or Giardia have been detected in Lake Auburn over the last three years.

• The good news is that UV disinfection easily destroys these pathogens, should they ever be detected.

• UV is highly effective and economical because it targets the DNA of the organism, preventing further reproduction. In order to infect a person, an organism must be able to reproduce.

• UV has no harmful byproducts.

• UV disinfection is a physical process, with no dangerous chemicals involved.

• UV light does not affect the taste and odor of drinking water.

• Microorganisms in the water are exposed to ultraviolet light when they pass by special lamps inside the UV reactor. The UV energy instantly destroys the genetic material (DNA) within bacteria, viruses and protozoa, eliminating their ability to reproduce and cause infection. Unable to multiply, the microorganisms die and no longer pose a health risk.

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