New world-class standards for water treatment chemicals

Abstract

Water treatment The Water Research Commission (WRC), together with Umgeni Water initiated a project to investigate and propose possible standards for the South African drinking water treatment chemical industry after it was found that the very chemicals added to treat water were not subject to any form of regulation or control. Every day more innovative chemical blends are found to disinfect drinking water. Chemicals are used throughout the treatment process, from coagulation and flocculation to fluoridation, algae control, pH adjustment and final disinfection and polishing. With the right blend of quality chemicals, correctly dosed, even the smallest treatment plant can produce good potable water from almost any source. However, processes used to manufacture these chemicals may result in the presence of impurities which can be a potential contaminant in drinking water. In small dosages the health effects of these impurities might not be evident immediately, but can manifest later if exposure continues over the long term.

Authors

Categories