Therefore, suspended particles such as turbidity or iron and manganese precipitates would prevent the UV from achieving total kill of the organisms. Thus, prefiltration is necessary when there is any sediments or cloudiness in the water. The device can also be equipped with a device that will read the intensity of the UV light. Although the UV tube can be wired to start and stop with your well pump, the industry generally recommends that UV disinfection be run continuously. Mineral and biofilm deposits can build up on the outside of the UV tube.
Some devices have a wiper to clean the outside of the UV tube.
Most home size devices use a manual cleaning mode. Typical cleaning frequency is 2 times per year. For home use a UV sensor and alarm are appropriate. These appurtences are options which increase the cost of UV devices. During this operational period the bulbs loses some of their disinfection strength.