Biological Growth in Water
Biological Growth in Water
Water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms. Depending on water make-up and other factors like temperature and pressure, these micro-organisms can multiply and spread quickly throughout a system, and create unsafe or problematic conditions. To keep your water safe and free from harmful or concerning issues like Legionella Bacteria, talk to a water treatment expert to find out how you can best prevent biological growth within your water and keep your water and your facility safe and running smoothly.
Causes and Concerns
Biological growth is a common water treatment issue. Water is naturally susceptible to biological growth and certain conditions is industrial processes can create an environment in which biologicals can thrive. Certain types of biologicals can decrease the efficiency of an application. Biofilm, for example, is a series of microbial communities which creates a film-like layer of growth on top of useful heat-transfer surfaces in applications such as cooling towers and boilers. This film, though thin, can significantly impair the functionality of the heat-transfer surface and reduce its efficiency, thereby increasing costs associated with fuel and water.
Moreover, bacterial presence in water systems can lead to safety liability risks. Legionella is one type of bacterial growth found in some water, and can lead to Legionnaires Disease, which can be deadly. Many facilities have begun to require specific measures to be taken in order to prevent the risk of Legionella formation, and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have released a Standard defining the risks associated with Legionella and suggesting that facilities create a plan to actively manage water to prevent Legionella formation.
Treating Biological Growth
Treating water to fight against bio fouling should be a part of any water treatment and management plan. There are many different types of biological growth that can occur under different conditions, so the first step towards defending your water applications is to get a full system audit and find out where biological growth risks have or can potentially occur. A water treatment expert can then work with you to create a customized plan that will prevent or reduce organic growth.