Disinfection For Drinking Water Plant In Chennai, India

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) encountered significant challenges in treating high algae loads at its drinking water plant, which processes 1.5 million liters of water daily. The primary issue arose from the organic load in lake water, which, when treated with conventional chlorine disinfectants, resulted in harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs). This situation necessitated a reliable and sustainable disinfection solution to enhance water quality, particularly during seasonal fluctuations in water conditions. In response, CMWSSB adopted Atlantium’s Hydro-Optic Disinfection (HOD™) UV technology in 2018, facilitated by local integrator Yaha Water Systems.

This innovative system utilizes a combination of UV disinfection and hydraulic/optic principles to effectively inactivate pathogens and bacteria. The HOD UV system employs Total Internal Reflection (TIR) technology, which recycles UV light energy and ensures uniform distribution of UV doses, surpassing the efficiency of traditional UV systems. The HOD UV technology is notably chemical-free, significantly reducing risks associated with chemical disinfectants and minimizing the formation of carcinogenic DBPs. It effectively targets chlorine-resistant microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia, and has been validated for compliance with U.S. EPA standards for virus inactivation. This environmentally friendly solution not only enhances drinking water quality but also eliminates the drawbacks associated with chemical treatments.