Understanding various chemicals that are used to treat water in Australia



Water treatment is essential before water is discharged to be used in industries, businesses, and homes in Australia. Using chemicals to treat water helps to remove harmful bacteria and substances. After treating the water using chemicals, it can be recycled into the water source. Different chemicals can be used to treat water such as lime, chlorine, and hydrogen peroxide.

Chlorine
Chlorination is the most common disinfectant for swimming pools and public drinking water. Chlorine helps to prevent the spread of diseases such as E-coli. Chlorine also destroys algae, bacteria and mould that may grow on the walls of water tanks. Chlorine can also remove unpleasant odours and tastes from drinking water.

However, it can be difficult to handle chlorination without experience and expertise. The chlorination used for laundering, showering and swimming can dry out the hair and skin and may cause skin and eye irritation. Using chlorine for water treatment in Australia can make the water to fade fabrics.

Lime
There are high levels of dissolved minerals in hard water. These minerals can build up in internal systems and pipes to cause permanent damage. Water softeners made with lime can treat water and improve the levels of arsenic in water. Lime can also be used to alter the pH of the water and provide an unconducive environment for viruses and bacteria. In some cases, the water pH levels can be too high when lime is used to soften it. When you add lime to chlorinated water, hypochlorite formation is an inferior disinfectant to free chlorine residuals.

Hydrogen peroxide
This is a bleaching agent that can be used for water treatment in Australia to lighten hair, whiten teeth, and bleach textiles and fabrics. It can also be used to disinfect water by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and removing pollutants. Hydrogen peroxide is safe and it doesn’t produce gas or residue.

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