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Water Hygiene > Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine Dioxide

Use of Chlorine Dioxide in domestic Water Systems

For many years, the efficacy of chlorine dioxide for continual 'on-line' disinfection of domestic water has been known. It is only recently, however, that safe methods of generating active chlorine dioxide 'in situ' have been developed.

Wherever water is stored and distributed, residual bacterial activity results in the formation of biofilms, very shallow layers of bacterial colonies which form on the inner surfaces of pipework and tanks. These biofilms are incredibly resistant to conventional biocide treatments and are ideal environments for the growth of harmful bacteria, including Legionella pneumophilia.

The mechanism of action of chlorine dioxide is different to conventional oxidising biocides and non-oxidising biocides. It is extremely effective at neutralising and halting the growth of biofilms and hence has been found to be highly effective at combating Legionella, particularly in high risk systems and systems where positive Legionella results have been a problem.

Chlorine dioxide has been approved by the drinking water inspectorate for potable and domestic water systems. Continual dosing of chlorine dioxide, in proportion to water use, will greatly reduce the risk of bacterial colonisation in domestic water systems and the corresponding risk of Legionella. Unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide imparts no taste or odour to the water being treated.

H₂O Chemicals Ltd offer a range of water meters and chemical dosing pumps to make the previously complicated task of generating activated chlorine dioxide simple. Designed to suit your exact requirements, our chlorine dioxide systems, backed up by a testing and sampling programme will ensure your water is as safe as possible.

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