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Ozone
About the Project
Home > Education > Treatment Options > Types of Drinking Water Treatment > Ozone​​

​Ozone: What Can it Do for Your Water? 

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About Ozone
Ozone is a highly reactive molecule composed of 3 oxygen atoms. When produced under controlled conditions, the oxidizing power of ozone can be harnessed and utilized to destroy harmful microbes contaminating food, water, and even surfaces.
​The History of Ozone
Ozone gained popularity in water treatment in the 1970s with the discovery of potentially harmful chlorine disinfection by-products (DPBs). Later, ozone was also found to be more effective against generally chlorine-resistant protozoan pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium. Although not able to maintain a residual during storage and distribution, ozone was useful for the removal of organic and inorganic matter, pesticides, taste and odor components, and other water pollutants. When used as a precursor to chlorine, less chlorine disinfectant is needed.
Ozone Applications
Ozone disinfection applications have been instrumental in preventing waterborne outbreaks due to drinking and recreational water exposures. Although not a new technology, the benefits of such advanced oxidation practices to destroy microbial pathogens and other contaminants are being increasingly realized. Given the changing practices of waste management and water reuse, and the continued emergence of pathogens resistant to conventional chlorine disinfectants, ozone is gaining renewed popularity in food and water treatment industries.
Benefits
  • Very effective against microbial pathogens (bacteria, viruses, protozoa), including some that are resistant to chlorine.​
  • When used as a precursor to chlorine, less chlorine disinfectant is needed.
  • Useful for the  removal of organic and inorganic matter , pesticides, taste and odor constituents, and other water pollutants.
  •  Not affected by pH variation. 
Limitations
  • Unreliable residual effect - Due to its short half-life, ozone does not continue disinfecting after application. For this reason, it is often used in combination with low levels of chlorine for additional protection.
  • ​Instability - Ozone cannot be stored and transported like chlorine, so it must be generated onsite. 
  • Ozonation produces disinfection by-products that may be carcinogenic (in particular, bromates). 
Other Resources
  • 04/2008  Concern  of Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water [Link]
  • 11/2015 Drinking Water Disinfection: Options and Hazard Management [Link]
  • 08/2018 Ozone: Changing the Landscape of Waterborne Outbreaks [Link]​
  • EPA – Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet: Ozone Disinfection [Link]​​

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  • Home
    • WQRF Board
  • Network
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  • RESEARCH
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    • Contaminant Map
    • 1-Minute Video Summaries
    • Softening Benefits Calculator
    • Softened Water Toolkit
  • EDUCATION
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    • Campaign Leadership
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