The entire world seems to be focused on the H1N1 virus. The news media has been running non-stop stories ranging from fear to paranoia to legitimate health concerns and there seems to be no let-up in the media barrage coming anytime soon.

At Wyckomar we have been asked on several occasions recently about the effectiveness of UV against H1N1 and how to promote UV disinfection in this climate of uncertainty. We are providing answers in this issue that may help you better understand how to respond to questions you may get from your customers and prospective customers.

From all reports we have seen, the H1N1 strain of influenza is not transmitted by contaminated drinking water, but rather by close contact with an infected individual. That being said, UV disinfection is highly effective against all strains of influenza when present in a water supply, and a comprehensive kill-off of the virus (if present) is assured when a UV system is properly sized and installed.

The standard UV dose required to provide a 3 log (99.9%) kill rate for influenza is less than 7 mJ/cm2. Any model of Wyckomar UV water purifier (properly sized for flow rate) will provide a far higher UV dose than is needed for a complete kill (in most cases 30 - 60mJ/cm2 or more). It may be of interest to note that many other water treatment technologies cannot capture or kill viral pathogens in water due to the extremely small size of the virus itself. Filter and membrane type systems may trap bacteria (but not viruses) which can then grow and propogate in the filter media. The best solution remains to kill the pathogens with high dose UV light.

With all of the news surrounding H1N1, the demand for information on how to kill viral pathogens in water will continue to grow, and you can be in a position to offer knowledge and advice to customers who are seeking it. The key is to provide accurate information as to what a UV system can and also what it cannot do (for example it can only kill viral pathogens that may be present in a water source it cannot prevent infection by other means).

The key to being recognized as an authority on UV water treatment is to always explain the limitations of a UV system as well as the benefits it will provide. Get the word out to your residential and commercial customers that a Wyckomar UV water treatment system is an effective barrier against all types of bacterial and viral pathogens in water (including all strains of influenza), and that a properly maintained UV system will continue to provide absolute protection from these pathogens for many years to come.

Chemical-free UV treatment is the most effective (and cost effective) method of disinfecting all sources of drinking and process water. Wyckomar can provide standard flow rate units plus custom designed systems to suit almost any flow rate required.