Ultraviolet disinfection of water consists of a purely physical, chemical-free process. The bacteria in water that passes through UV light lose their reproductive capability and are destroyed. Even parasites such as Cryptosporidia or Giardia, which are extremely resistant to chemical disinfectants, are efficiently reduced. UV can also be used to remove chlorine and chlormaine species from water. UV disinfection does not remove dissolved organics, inorganic compounds or particles in the water.