In light of Stage 6 load shedding, the Breede Valley Municipality has advised people to boil their water as a result of possible contamination. A municipal warning states that “higher phases of load shedding have negatively impacted water and waste-water treatment.”
Residents have been informed by the municipality that severe load shedding has an effect on the sewage and water quality systems.
The municipality has also advised homeowners and business owners to disinfect water with chlorine and specific bleaches to help with quality during this water crisis.
Water of poor quality can harm equipment, especially in sectors such as agriculture, food and beverage, industrial and commercial operations.
We however feel that there are more efficient and safer ways to disinfect the low quality water for the use in both business’s and residential areas.
Low quality waters impact on equipment
Low quality water can have a detrimental impact on equipment, especially in industries that rely on water for cooling or processing.
Bacteria and other microorganisms in water can also cause problems by growing on surfaces and creating biofilms that can clog equipment and reduce its efficiency. Additionally, water with high levels of chemicals like chlorine or sulfur can cause damage by attacking metal surfaces or causing other types of chemical reactions.
Hard water, which has high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, can build up in pipes and on heat exchangers, reducing their efficiency and increasing the risk of damage.
High levels of dissolved solids, such as silt, can also cause problems by clogging filters and nozzles, while dissolved gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide can cause corrosion.
Low quality water can cause a variety of problems for equipment and systems, leading to increased maintenance and repair costs, lower efficiency, and even equipment failure.
Improving your water quality
Improving water quality involves identifying the contaminants present in the water and then implementing appropriate treatment methods to remove or reduce them. Some common methods for improving water quality include:
Water can be disinfected to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can be harmful. Chlorine, ultraviolet light, and ozone are commonly used for this purpose. The most efficient means of disinfection is however is chlorine dioxide.
This can remove a wide range of impurities from water, including sediment, bacteria, and dissolved solids. Sand and gravel filters, as well as activated carbon filters, can be used to remove physical impurities, while reverse osmosis and other membrane filtration methods can remove dissolved solids.
Hard water can be softened by removing the calcium and magnesium ions that cause the hardness. This can be done through the use of ion exchange resin.
Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can be adjusted to a neutral pH to prevent corrosion or other chemical reactions.
This can be used to remove dissolved gases like hydrogen sulfide or metals like iron that can cause unpleasant odors or tastes, or discoloration.
The water quality should be constantly monitored and tested to ensure that the treatment methods are effective and that the water is safe for consumption or use.
Disinfection solution: Chlorine Dioxide
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a powerful water disinfectant that is highly effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Some of the reasons why chlorine dioxide is considered an amazing water disinfectant include:
High germicidal efficacy: Chlorine dioxide is a highly reactive oxidizing agent, which means it effectively kills microorganisms by removing electrons from their cell membranes. This makes it more effective than traditional chlorination methods in killing certain microorganisms.
Low formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs): Chlorine dioxide does not form the same types of DBPs as chlorine does, which can be harmful to human health. This makes it a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chlorination methods.
Low corrosivity: Chlorine dioxide has a lower corrosivity than other disinfectants, which means it is less likely to cause damage to pipes and other equipment.
Wide range of applications: Chlorine dioxide can be used in a wide range of water treatment applications, including drinking water, wastewater, and industrial process water.
Can be used in low and high pH waters: Chlorine dioxide is is not pH dependant and is therefore effective over a wide pH range, which makes it a versatile disinfectant that can be used in a variety of water sources.
Improve taste and odor: Chlorine dioxide can also be used to improve taste and odor from water, making it a more pleasant to drink.
Can be used in combination with other disinfectants: Chlorine dioxide can be used in combination with other disinfectants such as UV (ultraviolet light) chlorine, and chloramines to achieve a better water quality.
Is water critical to keep your business running?
We, at WPS, feel that with chlorine dioxide, water can have a quality that is suitable for many potable uses and non-potable uses, including irrigation and industrial cooling, food and beverage production and cleaning water.
We want to contribute to water being used effectively and safely in within the Breede Valley Municipality areas affected by the low quality water.
