disease and
biofouling in water systems

Biofilm is a slick coating on wetted surfaces produced by many types of microbes. A thin layer of biofilm usually coats the interior of piping and other water handling equipment. This material provides both habitat and food supply for a range of bacteria including Legionella.

Legionella bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control, are ubiquitous in nature but rarely present a problem to humans. The danger exists when humans inhale tiny droplets of water containing Legionella. A normal healthy person might not be affected, where a person already ill or recovering from a severe medical procedure is especially susceptible and is more likely to develop Legionaires Disease.

Biofilm is highly resistant to cleansing by chemical and mechanical action. Biofilm durability is demonstrated by its resistance to penetration by biocides. Sheltered inside the biofilm, Legionella and other bacteria reproduce, protected from biocides such as chlorine or ozone. Areas of piping that have been treated to kill the bacterial population are often quickly reinfected by bacteria that have survived the treatment chemicals. Full sanitizing of water systems and equipment is virtually impossible without controlling the development of the host biofilm and scale.

The Zeta Rod™ prevents microscopic particles from sticking together. When particles of mineral matter stick together the product is scale. When bacteria join together and multiply the product is slime or biofilm. Legionella are known to live in, and take nutrition from, both scale and biofilm deposits. When the deposits are no longer present, biocidal agents are able to attack directly and destroy the harmful microbes.