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Municipal Drinking Water
Drinking water - the most important provision on our planet. But not all drinking water is naturally suitable for human consumption. Apart from course pollutants, far more dangerous pollutants frequently crop up: Viruses, bacteria, parasites or other micro pollutants which cannot be removed with simple filtering technologies. These dangerous companions can be rendered innocuous in an environmentally friendly manner with the WEDECO UV and ozone technologies.
The great advantage of UV light and ozone in comparison to other techniques is in the environmentally friendly way in which both technologies work. No chlorinated by-products are formed in the water and the natural taste and smell of the water is also preserved or improved.
Ultraviolet light disinfects without chemicals
The use of chlorine, chlorine dioxide, hypochlorite and other chemical substances for the disinfection of drinking water can entail health-related and ecological disadvantages due to the formation of chemical by-products. Besides, some dangerous pathogens such as Cryptosporidium and Guardia are already very resistant to chemical disinfection techniques.
Disinfection with UV light works better: Microorganisms are inactivated by a photochemical reaction between the UV-C radiation and the genetic information carrier (DNA) of the pathogen within seconds. The pathogen cannot multiply anymore and dies. Since this is a purely physical technique, the pathogen types cannot become resistant to the UV radiation in addition. The WEDECO UV technology can thus replace the use of chlorine & Co. completely or reduce it to a minimum.
WEDECO UV systems
WEDECO UV systems have been used for over 30 years for drinking water disinfection. The WEDECO UV service portfolio stands out for its extensive product range for the most varied requirements. Whether a remote settlement or a busy metropolis - there is always a suitable WEDECO UV system. In addition, the WEDECO UV technology is extremely efficient. Self-developed, particularly efficient Spektrotherm® low-pressure high-intensity UV lamps and electronic ballasts developed especially for this type of lamp lead to outstanding characteristics in terms of UV performance and economic efficiency.
The advantages of UV disinfection for the water utility
- The inactivation of microorganisms takes place within seconds, even in the case of resistant bacteria, viruses and parasites (e.g. Cryptosporidium and Guardia)
- Replaces or reduces drastically the use of chemicals
- No reactor vessels or secondary pumps
- Technology successfully tried and tested thousands of times
- The technique is low-maintenance and handling is simple
- Low operating costs, if UV low-pressure emitters are used
- Low investment costs
Ozone oxidation in drinking water treatment
The use of ozone is often the only and most effective technology for providing high-quality drinking water. Thanks to the environmentally-friendly way in which it works, it is ideally suited for sustainable water treatment. As one of the most powerful commercially available oxidants, it addresses other water quality issues apart from disinfection, which are difficult or impossible to treat with other methods:
- Disinfection, i.e. killing of microorganisms (giardia lamblia /virus inactivation/elimination of cryptosporidia)
- Removal of odors
- Removal of humic substances (decolorization)
- Taste enhancement
- Oxidation of iron and manganese
- Degradation of pesticides, pharmaceutical and other trace contaminants
- Flocculation enhancement
The advantages of ozone oxidation for the water utility
- No THM formation
- Low ozone doses are necessary
- No environmental or health-endangering chlorinated by-products
- pH insensitivity
- Ozone is produced according to needs at the place of consumption from power and oxygen/air
- Modern technology with drastically reduced energy consumption/optimized ozone production
The advantages for humans, animals & the environment
- No environmental impact. Ozone disintegrates or is broken down into oxygen after the reaction
- Ozone does not negatively impact the water`s taste and smell
- No formation of harmful chlorinated by-products