Frequestly Asked Questions

What is ozone?
Ozone is three molecules of oxygen held together by an electrical charge.

Where does ozone come from?
In nature ozone is generated by lightning and in the upper atmosphere it is created by oxygen atoms energized by the sun (this is the ozone that protects us from Man-made ozone that is generated in much the same way). A high intensity ultra-violet light will produce small amounts of Ozone, and a high voltage corona in the presence of air or oxygen will also produce Ozone.

Why is it used in water filtration?
Ozone is a strong oxidant and as such has many favorable properties in water filtration.

What will ozone do in water treatment?
Ozone will: de-color dye laden effluents; aid in removal of suspended solids; pre-treat organic and inorganic materials to aid in bio-degradation and filtration; reduce toxicity levels; aid in coagulation of suspended oils, waxes and detergents; oxidize and reduce pesticides; disinfect water and water handling mechanisms such as pipes, tanks, and pumps; aid in algae removal; prevent odor buildup due to organic decomposition.

What is an oxidant?
An oxidant breaks down organic and inorganic materials to their base elements. The chlorine used in swimming pools is an oxidant.

Why not use chlorine?
Ozone works up to 3000 times faster than chlorine, attacking viruses, bacteria and other pollutants. It works more efficiently because it attacks the bacterial cell wall, creating instant cell destruction. Besides being carcinogenic, chlorine also promotes rust in car washes, and has a residual chlorine gas smell.

Does ozone leave any residual like chlorine does?
Ozone leaves no residual chemical or harmful chemical by-products in the water. If an ozone molecule does not react with an impurity in the water, it will lose its charge and return to O2 (oxygen), in a very short time.

What about mineral stains caused by iron and manganese?
Ozone reacts very quickly to mineral ions, eliminating them before they can cause rust colored stains or scale buildup.

My water smells like rotten eggs, what can ozone do about that?
That rotten egg smell is caused by hydrogen sulfide, produced by bacteria. Ozone reacts with the gas eliminating the bad smell and also killing the bacteria that causes it.

Can Ozone help reduce the cloudiness and coloration of my water?
Reaction of ozone with many of the materials that cause colored, cloudy water, will result in a very noticeable clarification of your water.

How much does it cost to run an ozone generator on my water reclaim system?
Depending on the amount of ozone required, a ozone generator and air dryer will require the same energy as a 70 to 100 watt light bulb.