ELIMINATING THE RISK OF WATER POLLUTION
To ensure a consistent standard and quality of water, assets, infrastructure and processes must be carried out within the use of stringent environmental parameters. This has driven the industry to increase its focus on efficiency and innovation to operate at the highest level of environmental protection.
by Malc Holmes
Restoration Innovation and Development Manager for Anglian Water
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instituteofwater.org.uk
The UK has over 416,175kms of water mains supplying potable water every day to 66.4 million people. Chlorine has been proven to be the simplest and most effective means of disinfecting water in such a large scale, being used within the UK for approximately 100 years.
Anglian Water has taken a step forward with the help of innovative partners, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the dechlorination process, working to reduce the likelihood of residual chlorine which may enter water courses during emergency works or weather events.
From water main installation and tanker usage, to the maintenance of service reservoirs and the extensive network of pipes, chlorine has many different uses across the industry.
Dechlorination Methods
Water companies, along with the Environment Agency, are always looking for ways to preserve and protect the environment where they possibly can; ensuring that water quality is of the highest standard possible. Chlorine limits are put in place to protect the environment and ensure that water entering watercourses is kept to a high standard.
Crystals Thiosulphate crystals have a high absorption rate and, in this form, are very effective at neutralising chlorine on contact. However, they offer very minimal control, accountability and little scope for innovative development.
The most commonly known, and used, methods of dechlorination in the water industry are crystals, tablets and liquid solutions: