In the prevention and control of legionnaires disease (legionella) causing microbes, chlorine dioxide has taken an eminent roll. The specific characteristics of the disinfectant make sure ClO2 gets the job done where others fail.

Biofilm in the piping can protect legionella from most of the disinfectants.

Chlorine dioxide however removes the biofilm and kills the bacteria, spores and viruses.

Other advantages are:

1. The bactericidal efficiency is relatively unaffected by pH values between 4 and 10;
2. The required contact time for ClO2 is lower;
3. Chlorine dioxide has better solubility;
4. Chlorine dioxide does not react with NH3 or NH4+;
5. It destroys THM precursors and increases coagulation;
6. ClO2 destroys phenols and has no distinct smell;

Hot and cold water systems

The advantages in using chlorine dioxide with hot and cold water systems have already been shown at the descriptions on legionella. There are however more advantages:

1. The bactericidal efficiency is relatively unaffected by pH values between 4 and 10;
2. Chlorine dioxide is clearly superior to chlorine in the destruction of spores, bacteria's, viruses and other pathogen organisms on an equal residual base (even cryptosporidium and giardia);
3. The required contact time for ClO2 is lower;
4. Chlorine dioxide has better solubility;
5. No corrosion associated with high chlorine concentrations. Reduces long term maintenance costs;
6. Chlorine dioxide does not react with NH3 or NH4+;
7. It destroys THM precursors and increases coagulation;
8. ClO2 destroys phenols and has no distinct smell;
9. It is better at removing iron and magnesia compounds than chlorine, especially complex bounds.

Information on legionella in fountains is also available

For more information or advice on the treatment, measurement and prevention of legionella please feel free to contact us by mail, fax or telephone.