By Tove Tupper
 
April 16, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - A Southern Oregon pool is the first in the area to install a new UV water purification system.
 
The Rogue Valley Family YMCA pool will no longer use chlorine.
 
"Chlorine is good, salin is better, and UV is best," says Rogue Valley Family YMCA Facility Director Robert Horton.
 
With the new system, water passes through a 2,500 UV watt light, designed to kill 99.9 percent of all germs, bacteria, and living organisms. It will stop itchy eyes and skin, and swimmers won't even need goggles.
 
Though the system cost $35,000 to install, the YMCA says it will save money in the long run.
 
"We can now save on day-to-day basic money, because we're not having to spend so much on chlorine and other chemicals," says Rogue Valley Family YMCA Executive Director Brad Russell.
 
It is also more environmentally friendly, and the UV treated water will help keep bathing suits last longer.
 
The World Health Organization says this water is almost clean enough to drink.