While Chlorine and Chlorine Dioxide are similar in name, they serve distinct roles in water treatment, especially in combating Legionella and other harmful bacteria.
While Chlorine (Cl) is a familiar treatment for recreational water bodies like pools and spas, Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) is gaining attention for its effectiveness in disinfecting water sources from Legionella, other bacteria, and biofilms.
Chlorine Dioxide stands out for its potency, requiring only minimal amounts to achieve significant disinfection. It’s not just bacteria that are eliminated; fungi and biofilms also fall prey to this powerful chemical. Depending on the need, its adaptability also allows it to disinfect water and hard surfaces.
Chlorine Dioxide vs. Chlorine
When eradicating a wide range of waterborne pathogens, including viruses and protozoa, Chlorine Dioxide is the biocide of choice. Its broad-spectrum efficacy makes it an essential tool for those managing water systems in various settings. It offers protection against a host of illness-causing agents like Pseudomonas, MRSA, E-coli, and cryptosporidium.
Targeting Biofilm with Chlorine Dioxide
The chemical’s ability to obliterate biofilm is a crucial advantage. Biofilms harbour and sustain bacterial growth and can be stubbornly resistant to removal. Chlorine Dioxide’s effectiveness in this area prevents the re-establishment of these microbial communities, safeguarding water systems against recurrent contamination.
Pre-Treatment Cleaning and Dosing Considerations
Before introducing Chlorine Dioxide, a comprehensive water system cleaning is advisable, typically performed by professionals skilled in such procedures. Determining the appropriate dosing rate and frequency is crucial for effective treatment, with initial doses often kept low and adjusted as needed. Using automatic dosing systems can reduce the need for manual intervention, though regular monitoring by qualified engineers remains essential to ensure the system’s optimal performance.
Scotmas: Leading Experts in Water Safety and Legionella Management
Scotmas stands at the forefront of water safety, offering expertise in managing waterborne pathogens, including legionella, across various settings in the UK and internationally. Our comprehensive services include water safety solutions and specialised training, all aimed at maintaining the highest standards of environmental risk management.
If you would like to speak with one of our specialists or have any questions regarding the issues raised above, please do not hesitate to give us a call today on +44 (0)1573 226901 or email enquiries@scotmas.com
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
