OZONE DRINKING WATER DISINFECTION

An Effective and Chemical-Free Alternative for Safe Water Treatment

Microbiological contamination in drinking water is a serious public health concern and a leading cause of illnesses such as gastroenteritis. Disinfectants have long played a crucial role in inactivating microbial pathogens to prevent waterborne diseases. However, many traditional chemical disinfectants—such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and hydrogen peroxide—can produce harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs) when they react with natural organic matter in water.
Chlorination has historically been the most widely used disinfection method. While effective against pathogens, its by-products, particularly trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), have been associated with potential health risks. Long-term exposure to these compounds has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer and other adverse effects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
To reduce these risks, the EPA has implemented stricter regulations, including the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules, which set maximum contaminant levels for DBPs in drinking water.
In response, water treatment facilities and bottled water producers are increasingly turning to ozone as a safer, non-chemical alternative. Ozone (O₃) is a powerful oxidant that effectively inactivates bacteria, viruses, and protozoa without leaving harmful residues or by-products. It rapidly decomposes into oxygen after treatment, making it a clean and environmentally friendly option for water disinfection. According to the International Ozone Association (IOA), ozone is among the most effective technologies for water purification and is FDA-approved for use in bottled water treatment.
By adopting ozone-based disinfection, water producers can ensure microbiological safety while avoiding the formation of regulated DBPs, aligning with both public health goals and environmental best practices.

How ozone water treatment works

Ozonation is a process of oxidation used to disinfect water and remove organic and inorganic contaminants. The process begins with the generation of ozone (O₃) on-site using an ozone generator, which applies an electrical discharge to pure oxygen (O₂), splitting the molecules into individual oxygen atoms. These atoms then recombine to form ozone, a highly reactive oxidizing gas.

Once generated, ozone gas is dissolved into water, typically via a venturi injector,  where it reacts with contaminants. Ozone works by breaking molecular bonds through oxidation, which destroys bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, and various organic pollutants. The result is clean, safe water free from harmful chemical residues.

Key Stages in Ozone Water Treatment:

1. Ozone Generation: High-purity oxygen is exposed to a corona discharge, producing ozone on demand.
2. Ozone Injection: The gas is dissolved into the water using specialized injectors, such as venturis or static mixers.
3. Contact Time: The water is held briefly in a contact tank (typically for a few minutes) to allow the ozone to fully react with the contaminants.
4. Oxidation & Disinfection: Ozone oxidizes and breaks down Pathogens (e.g., E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, viruses), Natural organic matter, Pesticides and pharmaceuticals, Iron, manganese, and sulphur compounds, Unpleasant odors and taste-causing substances

Surprisingly, another reason is that ozone disinfection is no longer more expensive. It is considerably more economical than any chemical alternative, thanks to the development of new generations of highly efficient ozone generators, such as Absolute Ozone.

How much Ozone is needed to disinfect water?

The amount of Ozone needed to disinfect water depends on several factors, including the type and concentration of contaminants, water temperature, and the desired level of disinfection.

For most drinking water applications, a dissolved ozone concentration of 0.2-0.5 mg/L is generally sufficient for effective disinfection. However, water quality conditions vary, and systems treating higher contaminant loads may require higher ozone levels.

It is essential to note that while Ozone is an effective disinfectant, it is also a highly reactive substance that can quickly break down into oxygen. Monitoring the ozone concentration in water and the contact time is essential to ensure adequate disinfection.

Get started today by contacting us to discuss your project specifications and requirements. Our team of engineers will be happy to assist you in selecting the best industrial ozone generator for your specific needs and provide a customized ozone water treatment system tailored to meet your requirements.

WHY ABSOLUTE OZONE®

We are one of the few manufacturers in the industry that guarantees the performance of our ozone generator. In addition, we eliminate the possibility of performance overstatement, which is sadly becoming increasingly common in the ozone industry. Above all, we design to guarantee greater productivity. Our equipment requires practically no maintenance or spare parts.

Our goal is to provide an efficient, 100% reliable ozone generation system for your bottled water application, and unmatched customer service and support compared to our competitors.

With the Absolute Ozone® ozone generator, you can reduce your use of chemical products, lower costs, achieve a successful return on investment for your company, and improve your bottled water production.

Our higher ozone concentration and the unique design of the treatment system have excelled in beverage applications. As a result, several major brands trust Absolute Ozone® generators to deliver pure ozone for bottling applications, seeking efficiency and reliability.

OUR KNOWLEDGABLE AND HIGHLY EXPERIENCED ENGINEERING TEAM WILL HELP YOU WITH:

• Selecting the Right Size Absolute Ozone® Ozone Generator for Your Ozone Bottling Application
• Supply the oxygen concentrator or help choose the correct oxygen supply by ensuring you have the proper air preparation/feed gas.
• Supply all necessary accessories, such as online monitoring and control equipment
• Help with a complete initial design, installation guidance, and process details with maximum profitability.
• Provide full technical support from expert application engineers every step of the way, before installation and throughout the years.

Contact us now. Our staff will help you explore all the possibilities ozone can offer your project.