Selected Information - Live Research

Recent changes to the drinking water regulations have led to UK water companies installing UV disinfection for Cryptosporidium inactivation and, over the next few years, many more plants will be installed for general disinfection or specifically for Cryptosporidium. DWI is producing guidance on the use of UV for Cryptosporidium inactivation, and a key requirement will be the need for dose validation. This project delivered independent practical advice on how best to comply with DWI guidance in relation to specific UV technology for defined situations.

Leading expertise on UV technology was provided by Dr Andreas Kolch of Hytecon GmbH. Dr Kolch has over 15 years UV disinfection experience and, as past President of the International UV Association, brougt considerable worldwide UV industry contacts.

Benefits to Clients

• Compliance with DWI requirements, including dose validation.
• Cost-effective process selection, design and operation of UV equipment from a better understating of the UV market and technology and improved liaison with suppliers.

Work Programme

1. Evaluate the DWI guidance to understand and clarify their requirements; particularly for dose validation and control.
2. Liaise with UV equipment suppliers worldwide to identify and characterise technologies available, including dose validation procedures.
3. Review UV implementation experience in mainland Europe and the USA to identify best practice and optimum process solutions.

Project Output

• Practical guidance for equipment selection, UV implementation, and dose validation, to meet UK conditions and DWI requirements.
• Dissemination workshop to ensure effective implementation of the project findings.

Related Work

In addition to extensive expertise in water treatment and disinfection, WRc carried out a recent review for UKWIR of generic UV technology and the regulations for UV implementation in other countries. This project will build on that study by understanding DWI requirements and the implications for UV equipment from specific suppliers.