Field evaluation of a novel UV water disinfection system for use in underserved rural communities

Reliable, robust, and inexpensive disinfection systems are needed to expand water security in remote and underserviced areas. This paper reports on the deployment and evaluation of a novel UV water disinfection system in a remote rural community. Prior laboratory tests indicated a 7.12 log10 reduction of the bacteriophage MS-2 at a flow rate of 9.46 L/min, which corresponds to a supplied UV dose 215 mJ/cm² . Further tests in water containing turbidity levels up to 18 NTU showed E. coli removal remaining above the 5 log10 level. Field testing was performed at a Native American reservation in Northern California where the system was used to treat groundwater obtained from a well with a known fecal contamination. The system was powered by solar panel and was operated on-demand for extended periods. Tests on the treated water showed that the system exceeded the standard of disinfection required for drinking water. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A novel system for water disinfection with UV light is described. Laboratory and field tests showed high levels of disinfection achieved even at low UVT and high turbidity. System is robust, reliable and inexpensive to produce thus suitable for use in underserved communities.