A controller for an ultraviolet (UV) purification system having UV lamps includes a sensor in communication with a given UV lamp as well as a processor in communication the sensor. The sensor provides the UV light intensity rate of the UV lamp (sensed rate) and transmits this information to the processor which compares the sensed rate with a memory stored desired UV light intensity rate (desired rate). An indicator in communication with the processor indicates when the UV lamp is producing a UV light intensity below the desired rate. Current is provided to the UV lamp by a ballast. The processor includes a memory stored predetermined UV light intensity rate (predetermined rate) that is greater than the desired rate. When the sensed rate is lesser than the predetermined rate, the current provided by the ballast is increased such that the UV lamp produces a UV light intensity at least equal to the predetermined rate.
