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UV vs Ozone: Which Water Disinfection Is Best for a Water Business?
Quick answer: UV disinfects water instantly as it flows past the lamp, adds nothing to the water and is ideal at the point of dispensing. Ozone disinfects and also keeps storage tanks and bottles protected for a while after treatment, which suits bottling. Many bottlers use both: ozone for storage and bottles, UV at the tap.
Key facts
- UV: instant, no chemicals, protects water as it passes the lamp
- Ozone: strong disinfectant that also protects tanks and bottles
- Both need clear, pre-filtered water
- UV sterilizers from KSh 5,000
Comparison
| UV sterilizer | Ozone generator | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | UV light damages the DNA of germs as water flows through | Ozone gas is dissolved into water and oxidises germs |
| Leaves residual protection | No | Short-lived, protects tanks and bottles |
| Best place | Just before the tap or filler | Product-water tank and bottling |
| Upkeep | Lamp about yearly, clean sleeve | Generator servicing, dry air feed |
UV sterilizer prices
H-Tech 0.4GPM 6W UV SterilizerKSh 5,000
H-Tech 0.65GPM 10W UV SterilizerKSh 5,300
H-Tech 1GPM 12W UV SterilizerKSh 6,000
H-Tech 2GPM 16W UV SterilizerKSh 11,600
H-Tech 6GPM 25W UV SterilizerKSh 13,000
H-Tech 12GPM 55W UV SterilizerKSh 40,000| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| H-Tech 0.4GPM 6W UV Sterilizer | 0.4 GPM | KSh 5,000 |
| H-Tech 0.65GPM 10W UV Sterilizer | 0.65 GPM | KSh 5,300 |
| H-Tech 1GPM 12W UV Sterilizer | 1 GPM | KSh 6,000 |
| H-Tech 2GPM 16W UV Sterilizer | 2 GPM | KSh 11,600 |
| H-Tech 6GPM 25W UV Sterilizer | 6 GPM | KSh 13,000 |
| H-Tech 12GPM 55W UV Sterilizer | 12 GPM | KSh 40,000 |
| H-Tech 20GPM 80W UV Sterilizer | 20 GPM | KSh 45,000 |
| H-Tech 26GPM 110W UV Sterilizer | 26 GPM | KSh 52,000 |
| H-Tech 43.86GPM 165W UV Sterilizer | 43.86 GPM | KSh 68,000 |
| H-Tech 65GPM 220W UV Sterilizer | 65 GPM | KSh 85,000 |
| UV Steriliser 12w, 1/4″ Inlet | – | KSh 10,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 20 October 2026). Full range: Water treatment components.
Ozone generators (2–10 g/h) are on the water treatment components page.
Which should you choose?
- Refill shop: UV at the dispensing point is usually enough.
- Bottler: ozone in the product tank plus UV before the filler.
- Home or office: a small UV unit after the purifier.
Watch: RO purifiers and water ATMs
Frequently asked questions
Is UV or ozone better?
Neither is always better: UV suits point-of-use disinfection; ozone suits storage and bottling. Many plants use both.
Does ozone leave a taste?
Correctly dosed ozone breaks down to oxygen; overdosing can leave an odour, so size it properly.
Does UV work on dirty water?
No. Water must be clear; filter it first.
Do I need disinfection after RO?
Yes, to protect against contamination in tanks and pipes, UV or ozone is recommended.