Have you heard about the bacteria called “legionella” in your hotel? It is a type of bacteria commonly found in public water systems. The name was derived from its ability to form a gelatinous white film on the tongue, roof, and esophagus of humans who become infected. Water treatment facilities typically filter out the bacteria through reverse osmosis or another type of filtration process. Unfortunately, this step does not remove the bacteria completely, leaving behind a residue that can provoke an unpleasant taste and odor in the drinking water.
So, what is the answer for safe water disinfection in homes and businesses?
There are several methods including ionization and Copper Silver ionization technology that have been developed over the past decade. These technologies both accomplish their primary goals of removing pathogenic bacteria but do so in slightly different ways. Ionia and Copper Silver technologies are designed to remove chlorine and other organic contaminants while leaving in the beneficial bacteria that are important to drinking water. This is the solution for millions of people that want a taste and odor reduction without jeopardizing taste and safety. This is why CSI Defender recommends using both ionization and Copper Silver technology on a case by case basis.
Ionization has been around since the 1970s when it was first developed for use in medical devices and industrial applications such as vacuum tubes. Today, most healthcare professionals utilize ionization as part of their water treatment. Unfortunately, without a good electrolytic cell design, ionization does not remove cysts or other types of microorganism. This is why it is not the right solution for treating water in the shower or faucet.
Multi-Stage Selective Filtration
- A more viable option for safe water treatment is a multi-stage selective filtration device with a handheld wet/dry gadget. You can find these at most health food stores or online. The latest multi-stage units incorporate both ion exchange and a carbon filter. They are great for removing cysts and other contaminants. In addition to that, they are much more cost effective than other systems. If you need to upgrade to a larger water purification system, you may want to consider the portable ion exchange unit.
- A multi-stage selective filtration system also produces water that is healthier, cleaner tasting, and friendlier to your family. This is achieved through carbon filtration and ion exchange. Carbon is essential as it removes chemicals and other contaminants, while maintaining healthy mineral content. The process water is then passed through a secondary filtration unit, removing cysts and THMs. This is the most preferred method for Legionella prevention at hotels, casinos, resorts, and other hospitality applications including clean-in-place applications.
- The carbon filters used in this type of water treatment include nano technology, which has the ability to trap viruses and bacteria. Ion exchange uses two different types of oxidation: electro-static and electromagnetic. Electrostatic is the use of negatively charged ions, whereas electromagnetic involves water ions being exchanged with charged particles. As a result of the different approaches used to remove contaminants, there is no significant amount of chlorine, THMs, VOCs, organic compounds, or other chemicals produced during the purification process at hotels, casinos, and resorts.
On-Site Chemical Generator
- Other methods of water purification include on-site chemical generators that use salt or potassium sorbent as a replacement for salt. This process uses trace minerals that are not found in seawater, and therefore, it is beneficial for people with specific drinking needs. An on-site multi-stage selective filtration device may be used along with this type of treatment. As most people do not drink from the ocean, the chances that organisms will be present in the drinking liquid is low.
- Legionella contamination occurs when a resident ingests the parasite in its feces. Because it cannot be digested, the parasite is ingested and then ingested by those who are in the same room as it is released into the environment. As such, on-site chlorine or ion exchange systems are not effective. In order to kill the parasites as well as prevent future infestations, the best solution is to install the multi-stage selective filtration devices described above.
