Daejeon Waterworks Research Institute Implements Advanced Water Purification Using Ozone and Activated Carbon

Research on Predicting Residual Chlorine Reduction Draws Attention

Water Quality Stability Demonstrated Throughout the Supply Process via Pipeline Network Analysis

Photo by Daejeon City Provided

It has been found that advanced water purification processes utilizing ozone and activated carbon fundamentally reduce the potential for disinfection by-product formation, while also ensuring that the disinfecting effect is maintained from the water treatment plant through the distribution pipelines all the way to households.

The Water Quality Research Institute of the Waterworks Headquarters announced that at the '25th Waterworks Research Presentation' held on March 19, they presented the results of their study titled 'Prediction of Residual Chlorine Reduction in Standard and Advanced Treated Water Using Pipeline Network Analysis', which received great acclaim from water supply experts nationwide.

This research is significant in that it scientifically demonstrated how advanced purification processes not only improve the raw water quality but also ensure water quality stability throughout the entire water supply process, from the treatment plant to household taps.

According to the Water Quality Research Institute's findings, the advanced water purification process using ozone and activated carbon showed higher efficiency in removing organic matter compared to the standard process, fundamentally lowering the potential for the formation of disinfection by-products such as total trihalomethanes (THMs).

In particular, pipeline network analysis simulations showed that the effectiveness of advanced treated water was especially pronounced during summer, when rising water temperatures increase concerns about microbial growth. The advanced treated water exhibited a slower rate of residual chlorine consumption than standard treated water, improving the issue of residual chlorine deficiency at the ends of the pipelines by approximately 16%. This means that the disinfecting effect is maintained from the water treatment plant until the clean water reaches each household through the distribution pipelines.

Based on these research results, the city is continuously promoting the advancement of its waterworks system to achieve water quality improvements that citizens can truly experience.

In particular, at the Wolpyeong Water Purification Plant, a total of 93.82 billion won is being invested in the second phase of the advancement project, expanding ozone treatment and activated carbon filtration facilities with a daily capacity of 300,000 tons. Through this, the city plans to completely block substances that cause taste and odor due to climate change and further enhance its capability to produce high-quality tap water.

Lee Jongik, Head of the Waterworks Headquarters of Daejeon City, stated, "These research results demonstrate that expanding advanced water purification facilities is a scientifically sound decision directly linked to public health," adding, "We will continue to combine technological research and facility investment to ensure the supply of safe and clean tap water that citizens can trust."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.