We Use Ultraviolet Light to Kill Microorganisms – Just Like the River!

Since the cleaned wastewater will be flowing into the Rio Grande, the next step is to make sure that there are not any harmful microorganisms in the water. Instead of using dangerous chemicals like chlorine to kill the microorganisms, we use ultraviolet (UV) light to kill the bacteria and germs. The light sterilizes the microorganisms so that they cannot reproduce and make new microorganisms.

The water going to the river is monitored many times during the day. Our water quality lab analyzes the water to make sure that it meets EPA standards.

(Click here to learn about lab analyst careers.)