To obtain Cryptosporidium and Giardia log inactivation credit using ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) will require that UV disinfection
systems undergo validation testing. During validation, the dose delivery of a UV system is evaluated as a function of flowrate through the UV reactor, UVT of the water, and lamp power,
using a test microbe. Validation is conducted in order to develop performance relationships for
UV reactors as well as to develop dose monitoring strategies for on-line compliance monitoring of
UV reactors. In anticipation of the LT2ESWTR, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is developing the UV Disinfection
Guidance Manual (UVDGM) to provide technical information on the application of ultraviolet
light for the disinfection of drinking water by public water systems. The UVDGM provides
guidance on recommended procedures for validating a UV reactor and data analysis, based on the
LT2ESWTR validation requirements.
The dose measured during validation using the test microbe is referred to as the Reduction Equivalent Dose (RED). USEPA has developed an approach for calculating a safety factor, known as the Equipment Factor (EF), which is applied to the validation RED data. The EF accounts for
bias and random errors associated with validation and dose delivery monitoring. The EF is used to define the RED that is required at water treatment plants (WTP) to achieve the inactivation requirement for the target pathogen.
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the UVDGM-prescribed methodology for analyzing UV reactor validation data using the UVDGM June 2003 Draft and January 2005
revisions thereof. The analysis incorporates all elements of the Equipment Factor (EF) calculations and using a real world example from a large-scale UV reactor validation conducted at the UV
Validation Facility in Portland, Oregon. Includes 3 references, table, figures.