Cryptosporidium is a notorious waterborne pathogen that poses significant health risks when it contaminates water supplies.

This week, residents throughout South Devon have been advised to boil their tap water following the confirmation of 16 cases of Cryptosporidium. Additionally, 70 suspected cases in Brixham are currently under investigation.

The UK Health Security Agency has described Cryptosporidium as “predominantly a waterborne disease” that leads to a diarrheal illness. This microscopic parasite, responsible for the disease cryptosporidiosis, can cause severe gastrointestinal illness in humans and animals.

The symptoms include diarrhoea, dehydration, and abdominal cramps, which can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

One of the main challenges with Cryptosporidium is its resilience. The oocysts (a hardy form of the parasite) can survive in harsh environmental conditions and are resistant to many traditional disinfection methods. This resistance makes it difficult to ensure the safety of drinking water through conventional means.

The Limitations of Traditional Disinfection Methods

Traditional water disinfection methods, such as chlorination, have been effective against many pathogens but often fall short when dealing with Cryptosporidium. Chlorine, a powerful disinfectant, is ineffective at neutralising Cryptosporidium oocysts due to their robust outer shell. Traditional chlorination can lead to the formation of harmful by-products, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which pose additional health risks.

Chlorine Dioxide: A Game-Changing Solution

Recognising the limitations of traditional methods, Scotmas has developed an advanced Chlorine Dioxide water disinfection system that offers a groundbreaking solution to this persistent problem. Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) is a powerful oxidiser that effectively targets and eliminates Cryptosporidium, ensuring safer drinking water for communities.

The Advantages of Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine Dioxide stands out from other disinfectants due to its unique properties:

Effective Against Cryptosporidium: Chlorine Dioxide penetrates the tough outer shell of Cryptosporidium oocysts, disrupting their cellular structure and rendering them harmless. This makes it a superior choice for combating this resilient pathogen.
No Harmful By-Products: Unlike traditional chlorination, Chlorine Dioxide does not form harmful by-products such as THMs or HAAs. This means that water treated with Chlorine Dioxide is safer from pathogens and free from additional chemical contaminants.
Enhanced Water Quality: Chlorine Dioxide treatment improves the overall quality of drinking water. It enhances the taste and smell of water by eliminating unpleasant odours and flavours caused by organic and inorganic materials.

Towards a Healthier Future

Scotmas is committed to advancing water safety and public health through innovative solutions. Our Chlorine Dioxide systems represents a significant step forward in water disinfection technology, providing a robust defence against Cryptosporidium and other waterborne pathogens.

We invite you to learn more about our approach to maintaining the purity and safety of water supplies. By leveraging the power of Chlorine Dioxide, we can ensure that communities have access to clean, safe, and great-tasting water.