Effective Legionella Control with ClO2 Sure: Overcoming Warm Weather Challenges

The Rising Legionella Threat in Warmer Months

Legionella pneumophila, responsible for Legionnaires' disease, thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 45°C. This becomes particularly problematic in the warmer months when ambient temperatures rise, significantly increasing Legionella risks in water systems. Elevated temperatures in cold water storage tanks (CWSTs) and incoming feed water often surpass the critical threshold of 20°C, creating optimal conditions for Legionella proliferation.

Facilities such as hospitals, care homes, commercial buildings, and hotels are especially vulnerable, as they house populations particularly at risk, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, smokers, and those with chronic illnesses. Legionella infection typically occurs through inhalation of contaminated aerosols generated by showers, taps, cooling towers, and other water systems.

Why Water Temperatures Become Problematic in Summer

During summer heatwaves, maintaining cold water temperatures below 20°C becomes challenging. Elevated ambient temperatures and insufficient insulation around CWSTs result in significant warming of stored water. Compounding this issue, UK water suppliers, including Thames Water, have reported difficulty in guaranteeing cold water delivery below 20°C during extreme heat conditions, with recorded temperatures occasionally reaching 25°C. Such conditions necessitate additional water treatment measures to mitigate Legionella risk effectively.

UK Regulatory Framework for Legionella Management

Compliance with stringent regulatory standards is crucial. The Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Approved Code of Practice L8 (ACoP L8) and its accompanying technical guidance document, HSG 274 Part 2, provide clear protocols for controlling Legionella. They recommend maintaining cold water temperatures below 20°C, avoiding stagnation, and implementing supplementary disinfection methods, particularly using chlorine dioxide, an effective biocide known for its ability to penetrate and eradicate biofilms where Legionella typically thrives.

Limitations of Traditional Chlorine Dioxide Generators

Historically, chlorine dioxide has been generated on-site using dosing systems involving complex chlorine dioxide generators. Although effective at microbial control, these traditional systems pose several operational and safety challenges, including:

• High Capital and Operational Costs: Significant upfront investment in equipment and ongoing expenses related to maintenance and chemical handling.

• Safety and Handling Risks: The necessity to manage multiple hazardous chemicals (usually sodium chlorite and acids) increases the risk of chemical spills, gas leaks, and operator exposure.

• Complex Maintenance Requirements: Chlorine dioxide generators require regular calibration, monitoring, and specialised materials to resist corrosion.

• Regulatory Compliance Challenges: Traditional generators often struggle to maintain chlorate and chlorite by-products within strict regulatory limits, complicating water safety compliance.

ClO2 Sure: Revolutionising Chlorine Dioxide Dosing Systems

ClO2Sure - Single Drum Chlorine Dioxide

ClO2 Sure from Aevira addresses the complexities of conventional chlorine dioxide generators by offering an innovative, single-component chemical solution. Delivered in one simple drum, ClO2 Sure eliminates the need for onsite generation equipment and multiple hazardous chemicals. When dosed directly into water using a standard metering pump, ClO2 Sure generates chlorine dioxide in situ through a carefully balanced chemical equilibrium, maintaining active biocide concentrations without gaseous release.

ClO2 Sure Advanced Equilibrium Chemistry Explained

ClO2 Sure utilises an equilibrium-driven reaction:

2ClO₂⁻ + HOCl ⇌ 2ClO₂ + Cl⁻ + OH⁻

This reaction continuously regenerates active chlorine dioxide from sodium chlorite. Unlike traditional chlorine dioxide generation methods, ClO2 Sure significantly reduces the formation of chlorate, a problematic by-product heavily regulated due to health concerns.

ClO2 Sure - Superior Safety, Compliance, and Performance

ClO2 Sure provides numerous operational advantages, including:

• Cost Efficiency: Eliminates expensive chlorine dioxide generator equipment and reduces ongoing chemical and maintenance costs.

• Enhanced Safety: Non-gaseous formulation significantly lowers risks associated with chemical handling and gas leaks.

• Simplified Regulatory Compliance: Proven to meet strict drinking water standards for chlorate and chlorite concentrations, ensuring easier compliance management.

• Reliable Legionella Control: Maintains consistent chlorine dioxide residual, effectively penetrating and removing biofilms even in high-temperature scenarios common during summer months.

Choosing the Right ClO2 Sure Formulation

ClO2 Sure is available in two tailored formulations:

• ClO2 Sure Standard (3% ClO₂): Ideal for facilities with moderate water demands, providing precise dosing and effective Legionella protection without excessive chemical use.

• ClO2 Sure Plus (10% ClO₂): Designed for larger facilities and high-demand systems, offering robust performance and reduced handling frequency due to its higher concentration.

ClO2 Sure Comprehensive Application Versatility

ClO2 Sure's versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including:

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

• Commercial buildings and office complexes

• Educational institutions

• Hotels, leisure centres, and hospitality venues

• Cooling towers and large HVAC systems

FAQ: Common Questions on Legionella Control with ClO2 Sure

How does chlorine dioxide prevent Legionella in warm water?

Chlorine dioxide is a powerful oxidising agent that effectively penetrates biofilms, eradicating Legionella bacteria even at elevated temperatures, ensuring water safety during warmer months.

What makes ClO2 Sure safer than traditional chlorine dioxide generators?

ClO2 Sure is a single-component, non-gaseous solution, eliminating the risks associated with chemical handling, gas leaks, and complex maintenance typical of traditional chlorine dioxide generators.

Can ClO2 Sure replace an existing chlorine dioxide generator?

Yes, ClO2 Sure is designed as a direct replacement for traditional generators, simplifying operations, reducing costs, and ensuring regulatory compliance without compromising performance.

Implement ClO2 Sure for Comprehensive Legionella Control

For expert consultation and integration of ClO2 Sure into your facility's water safety programme:

• Call: 01865 595446

• Email: info@aevira.com

• Website: Aevira Clo2Sure

• Contact Form: Get in Touch

Choose ClO2 Sure—your advanced solution to year-round Legionella control.