Municipal Water

Ozone is one of the most powerful disinfectants on the planet, boasting an oxidation potential that is over 50% greater than chlorine and reacting up to 3,000 times faster than chlorine in water.  Ozone effectively destroys a broad spectrum of pathogens and microbes including all known viruses, bacteria, Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Amoebae.

Ozone technology in potable water treatment is effective at reducing the formation of regulated disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which are commonly produced when chlorine reacts with natural organic matter in water. By using ozone as a primary disinfectant, utilities can lower the amount of chlorine needed, thereby decreasing the precursors available for THM and HAA formation. Studies have shown that ozonation can lead to a 24–37% decrease in the formation of these DBPs after subsequent chlorination.

Ozone is widely used to oxidize heavy metals in water, including iron, manganese, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, and arsenic (when iron is present). Through oxidation, these metals are converted to higher oxidation states, forming less soluble oxides that can be easily removed by filtration.

Ozone is an effective, fast-acting oxidizer of organic compounds such as sulfate, hydrogen sulfide, algae, and synthetic organic compounds such as pesticides and solvents.

For municipal water distribution systems, most customer complaints stem from taste and odor issues. To address these concerns and ensure optimal taste and clarity, ozone treatment is the most effect tool.

Ozone is a highly effective oxidizer that targets and eliminates compounds responsible for undesirable taste, odor, and color. Water color is often associated with humic and fulvic acids, which not only increase chlorine demand but also promote the formation of halogenated volatile organic compounds during chlorination. By oxidizing these acids, ozone reduces both chlorine consumption and the formation of potentially harmful byproducts.

An issue of growing public and political concern is the widespread presence of constituents of emerging concern (CECs) in nearly all water sources. CECs are diverse, often unregulated substances found at trace levels that may pose risks to human and ecological health. They include pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PPCPs), endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), trace organic contaminants (TOrCs), microconstituents, and disinfection byproducts like N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

These compounds originate from sources such as agricultural runoff, urban discharges, household products, and wastewater. Their persistence and potential bioaccumulation raise long-term health and environmental concerns.

Ozone and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) effectively reduce many CECs. Ozone reacts directly with compounds based on their structure and indirectly oxidizes more contaminants by generating hydroxyl radicals from natural organic matter. Hormones, pharmaceuticals, and common CECs like carbamazepine, cotinine, caffeine, and atrazine respond well to ozone treatment.

Biological treatment processes utilize the metabolic activity of a diverse community of bacteria to break down organic materials present in water, enabling microorganisms to use these compounds as sources of energy and growth. Most natural and organic substances are biodegradable by these microorganisms as part of their metabolic processes.

Ozone pretreatment enhances this process by oxidizing inorganic and complex organic compounds into simpler, more biodegradable molecules that microorganisms can readily consume. As ozone is an unstable molecule, it rapidly decomposes to oxygen, which supports microbial activity, reduces the need for frequent backwashing, and extends the operational lifespan of filtration media such as granular activated carbon (GAC) and sand

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that combine ozone with ultraviolet (UV) radiation or hydrogen peroxide generate highly reactive hydroxyl radicals, significantly increasing the rate at which contaminants are oxidized. These processes are capable of attacking a wide range of organic compounds and are particularly effective at degrading pollutants that are resistant to treatment with ozone or sodium hypochlorite alone. Hydroxyl radicals produced through AOPs have demonstrated strong efficacy in oxidizing persistent substances such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and 1,4-dioxane.

Pureflow Ozone Division, together with our partners, offers expertise in piloting, designing, and manufacturing advanced oxidation systems tailored for the municipal water sector, delivering state-of-the-art solutions for challenging water treatment needs