Which Water Treatment Plants Use Ozone

Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that can be used to treat drinking water, wastewater, and industrial process water. It is a well-established technology that has been used in water treatment for over a century. Ozone is effective at killing microorganisms, removing unpleasant tastes and odors, and reducing levels of certain contaminants. But which water treatment plants use ozone, and why?

Drinking Water Treatment Plants

Ozone is a popular choice for treating drinking water because it is effective against a wide range of contaminants, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. It is also used to remove color and odor-causing compounds, such as geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), that can make water unpalatable. Ozone is often used in combination with other treatment technologies, such as filtration, to provide multiple barriers against waterborne diseases.

In the United States, over 3000 water treatment plants use ozone to purify drinking water. Some of the largest such plants include the William B. Cater Water Treatment Plant in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Plant in Cicero, Illinois. These plants serve millions of customers and have been recognized for their innovative use of ozone in water treatment.

Wastewater Treatment Plants

Ozone is also used to treat wastewater, particularly in areas where water resources are scarce. The primary purpose of wastewater treatment is to remove unwanted contaminants and pathogens from the wastewater so that it can be safely discharged to the environment or reused. Ozone is often used as a secondary treatment step, following primary treatments such as sedimentation and biological treatment.

Ozone is effective at killing pathogens that may be present in wastewater, such as viruses and bacteria. It is also capable of breaking down complex organic compounds that are not easily removed by other treatments. This can help to reduce the amount of pollutants that are discharged to the environment and limit the impact of wastewater on surrounding ecosystems.

Industrial Water Treatment Plants

Ozone is widely used in industrial water treatment applications, such as cooling towers and boilers. Industrial processes often require large amounts of water, which can become contaminated with bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. Ozone can be used to disinfect this water, reducing the risk of illness and system downtime.

Ozone can also be used to oxidize organic compounds in industrial wastewater, making them easier to remove by other treatment processes. This can help to reduce the amount of pollutants that are discharged to the environment and comply with local regulations.

Conclusion

Ozone is a versatile and effective water treatment technology that can be used to address a wide range of water quality issues. Drinking water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, and industrial water treatment plants all use ozone to varying degrees. With its proven ability to kill microorganisms, remove unpleasant tastes and odors, and reduce levels of certain contaminants, it is likely that ozone will continue to play a key role in water treatment for years to come.