Micro-organisms breed rapidly in water systems at temperature levels between 20-45°C. Ideally cold water temperatures should be kept below 20°C and hot water temperatures shouldn’t drop below 45°C at any point in the system. It is also important to avoid low oxygen level areas, such as deadlegs and low flow areas, in order to maintain a well balanced water hygiene regime.

In the majority of buildings optimum water temperatures cannot be achieved – cold water cannot be kept cold enough and hot water cannot be circulated and maintained hot enough (without the risk of scalding) to prevent opportunist pathogens from proliferating the system.

Legionella and other water borne pathogens have found a particular ecological niche in engineered water systems. The systems that are most at risk include; cooling towers, showers, taps, wash basins, horticultural misting systems, dental equipment, spa baths and vehicle washes, to quote just a few.

Overwhelming evidence denotes a strong requirement for a regime tailored to the specific needs of building services.

The recommended temperature for effective Legionella control is 60°C. This presents a scalding hazard to users. Constant dosing of chlorine dioxide allows the temperature of the hot water supply to be lowered; removing the potential for scalding and offering SIGNIFICANT savings from the cost of heating the water.

Conventional biocides, such as chlorine, are distributed around a water system by the flow of the water. When a water outlet is left unused for long periods, no water flows through the associated piping. This means that micro-organisms are left free to proliferate. When the outlet is eventually used, the user receives a dose of infected water. These circumstances often lead to the development of Legionnaires disease.

Chlorine dioxide has been described as the “ideal biocide”. It is effective against pathogenic species over a wide range of temperature and pH. It also acts as a true gas in solution. This means that it can move against the current in a water system and into low flow areas such as deadlegs.

Catalytic Chlorine Dioxide generation provides all the benefits of traditional chlorine dioxide generation, without the downsides. Ultra-pure chlorine dioxide is produced with zero residual chlorite. This can be simply and effectively delivered anywhere within water systems.

Chlorine dioxide offers an ‘environmentally friendly’ alternative - with proven efficacy against biofilms and pathogens. Catalytic Chlorine Dioxide generation meets today’s legislative standards for safe and effective delivery of Chlorine dioxide.

Advances with Tablet, Powder and Sachet delivery mechanisms mean that chlorine dioxide can be delivered effectively to the point of use. Applications include; hard surface sanitiser, wipes, odour control, fogging…. Etc.

As with all water treatment regimes, a good monitoring programme is required. The Clearwater Total Management Package provides a comprehensive regime including regular reviews to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Catalytic Chlorine Dioxide generation produces zero residual chlorite. (Confirmed by independant analysis in 2003). Chlorite is a by-product that is being currently reviewed by organisations such as the World Health Organisation and NHS Estates. The current requirement is for minimal chlorite

The Clearwater Total Management Package offers a complete “hands -off” approach. This includes monitoring, testing and reporting. It can also include all chemical handling and stock control.