Chlorination is the process of using a highly concentrated solution of chlorine to disinfect and kill any microbiological life that may be present in a water body
Usually this is carried out after a section of pipework carrying mains drinking water has been removed from service and is being put into service or is being used for the first time. The reason the pipe has to be chlorinated is so that any microbes within the pipe do not contaminate the water supply and pose a threat to those who are consuming the water.
We at the Water Lab can carry out full scale chlorination of the water mains by dosing with our special mix, leaving it for a period and then returning to measure Total Coliforms, E-Coli, Total Chlorine and Residual Chlorine. This thorough analysis regime ensures that there is sufficient chlorine present in the water supply after any chlorine is consumed in the degrading of organic matter and destroying of bugs.
We can also ensure that no damage is caused to local waterways by neutralising the water in the pipe using another special chemical mix, before it is discharged
Click here to read about a recent chlorination that we carried out.
Chlorination & Swabbing
To safeguard water quality and public health, it is required that private supply pipes are chlorinated and tested before a connection is allowed to the council/Irish Water water main.
Each chlorination commences with flushing of the system with clean drinking water to remove any debris and providing a clean base for the chlorination to take place.
Following the initial flush through, the system is filled with a chlorinated solution (minimum 50mg/l strength) which will remain for a minimum of 1 hour. After this contact period has been achieved, Lowflo technicians will neutralise the chlorinated solution and dispose of it safely, flushing the system through again with clean water to remove any residual traces of chlorine.
The system is then again filled with clean drinking water, sitting once more for a minimum contact period of 1 hour. This final flushing water will then be sampled for Chemical and Microbiological Analysis, and the samples submitted to one of our certified laboratories to be analysed using approved methods.
Following receipt of the analysis from the laboratory, Lowflo provides a Certificate of Chlorination, along with a full Analytical Report for each sample. These results and certificates are usually provided within 7 days of the work taking place providing assurance that the system is safe for use in the supply of wholesome drinking water. This evidence can be provided to Irish Water to enable a connection.
We are available to discuss all your results, their possible meanings and provide guidance on overcoming any failures, like pipe swabbing or Leak Detection.
