Patent Publication Number: US-2017369347-A9

Title: Systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (orp) in water for pathogenic control

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/050,777 filed Feb. 23, 2016 entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AN OXIDATION REDUCTION POTENTIAL (ORP) IN WATER FOR PATHOGENIC CONTROL which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/121,770 entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AN OXIDATION REDUCTION POTENTIAL (ORP) IN WATER FOR PATHOGENIC CONTROL, which are both hereby incorporated by reference thereto to complete this disclaimer if necessary. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to improved systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control and to provide purified drinking water for human consumption. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Water intended for potable use (e.g., drinking water), may contain disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, which can originate from the source of the water, from resistance to water treatment techniques, from improper or ineffectual water treatment techniques, or so forth. Pathogens include various types of bacteria, viruses, protozoan parasites, and other organisms. To protect drinking water from disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, water suppliers often add a disinfectant, such as chlorine, to the water. However, disinfection practices can be ineffectual because certain microbial pathogens, such as Cryptosporidium, are highly resistant to traditional disinfection practices. Also, disinfectants themselves can react with naturally-occurring materials in the water to form byproducts, such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which may pose health risks. 
     A major challenge for water suppliers is how to control and limit the risks from pathogens and disinfection byproducts. It is important to provide protection from pathogens while simultaneously minimizing health risks to the population from disinfection byproducts. Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) can be used for water system monitoring to reflect the antimicrobial potential of the water, without regard to the water quality, with the benefit of a single-value measure of the disinfection potential, showing the activity of the disinfectant rather than the applied dose. 
     The co-pending application represents an improvement in the art. The instant application represents a further improvement in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control are described. A system embodiment includes an ozone generator, a water inlet, a venturi, and a water outlet. The venturi is positioned to receive ozone generated by the ozone generator and to receive water from the water inlet, where the venturi provides mixing of the water and ozone to provide a water and ozone solution having an ORP suitable for pathogenic control. 
     It is a principal object of the invention to provide improved systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control and to provide purified drinking water. 
     These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control in accordance with example implementations of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of a system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control in accordance with example implementations of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control in accordance with example implementations of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view of a flow control portion of a system for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control, such as the system shown in  FIG. 2 or 3 . 
         FIG. 5  shows distribution systems for water treated by the systems for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control in accordance with example implementations of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a chart of relative oxidation strength of certain oxidizers. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic of a system which may be connected to the output side of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustrating the system of this invention connected to an ice making machine. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
     An Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) value can be used for water system monitoring to reflect the antimicrobial potential of a given sample of water. ORP is measured in millivolts (mV), with typically no correction for solution temperature, where a positive voltage shows a solution attracting electrons (e.g., an oxidizing agent). For instance, chlorinated water will show a positive ORP value whereas sodium sulfite (a reducing agent) loses electrons and will show a negative ORP value. Similar to pH, ORP is not a measurement of concentration directly, but rather of activity level. In a solution of only one active component, ORP indicates concentration. The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted an ORP standard for drinking water disinfection of 650 millivolts. That is, the WHO stated that when the oxidation-reduction potential in a body of water measures 650 (about ⅔ of a volt), the sanitizer in the water is active enough to destroy harmful organisms almost instantaneously. For example  E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria , and Staph pathogens have survival times of under 30 seconds when the ORP is above 650 mV, compared against &gt;300 seconds when it is below 485 mV. 
     An example ORP sensor uses a small platinum surface to accumulate charge without reacting chemically. That charge is measured relative to the solution, so the solution “ground” voltage comes from the reference junction. For example, an ORP probe can be considered a millivolt meter, measuring the voltage across a circuit formed by a reference electrode constructed of silver wire (in effect, the negative pole of the circuit), and a measuring electrode constructed of a platinum band (the positive pole), with the water in-between. 
     Increasingly, microbial issues are commanding the attention of water treatment operators, regulators, media, and consumers. There are many treatment options to eliminate pathogenic microbes from drinking water. One such option includes ozone (O 3 ), an oxidizing agent approved for drinking water treatment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For instance, ozone is one of the strongest disinfectants approved for potable water treatment capable of inactivating bacteria, viruses,  Giardia , and Cryptosporidium. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control. An example system includes an ozone generator, a water inlet, a water outlet, and a venturi (e.g., a Venturi tube, venturi injector, etc.) coupled with each of the ozone generator, the water inlet, and the water outlet. Such example system is configured to output water having an ORP of about 600 mV to about 800 mV, with particular implementations being configured to output water having an ORP of about 650 mV to about 750 mV to provide pathogenic control. 
     Example Implementations 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-3 , a system  100  for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control is shown in accordance with example implementations of the present disclosure. As shown, the system  100  generally includes an ozone generator  102 , a water inlet  104 , a water outlet  106 , and a venturi  108  (e.g., a Venturi tube, venturi injector, etc.) coupled with each of the ozone generator  102 , the water inlet  104 , and the water outlet  106 . The system  100  can include a housing  110  for receiving the water inlet  104  and the water outlet  106  and the venturi  108  there-between and for mounting the ozone generator  102 . The housing  110  can include a removable cover portion  112  which can enclose (e.g., when secured) and provide access to (e.g., when removed) the components housed in an interior portion  114  of the housing  110 . The removable cover portion  114  can be secured to the housing  110  via one or more fasteners  116  (e.g., screws to mate with bores in the housing  110 ). The housing  110  can further include coupling portions to couple with a power source  118 , a switch  120  to engage or disengage power to the system  100 , an indicator  122  (e.g., a light source), and the like. 
     In implementations, the conventional ozone generator  102  includes a corona discharge tube configured to use oxygen from the surrounding air to generate ozone, such as through splitting of oxygen molecules in the air through electrical discharge caused by supplying power to a dielectric material within the corona discharge tube. For example, the ozone generator  102  can include an input port  124  to receive ambient air within the housing  110  into the ozone generator  102  to convert oxygen from the ambient air into ozone. The housing  110  can include an aperture  126  to receive ambient air into the housing  110 , such as when the removable cover portion  112  is secured in place. In implementations, the power source  118  can include a 120V power supply that is transformed via transformer  128  suitable for applying the voltage to the dielectric within the corona discharge tube of the ozone generator  102 . For example, the ozone generator  102  can be operated at 110 volts/60 Hz and have an operating frequency of about 450 KHz and 550 KHz, with a power rating of less than about 15 watts, and with a unit performance for electrical consumption of about 32 watts. In implementations, the ozone generator  102  has an operating frequency of about 480 KHz. Further, the ozone generator  102  can be provided according to ISO 9001 CE standards. The ozone generator  102  can produce from about 800 mg ozone per hour to about 1200 mg ozone per hour. In implementations, the ozone generator  102  produces about 1000 mg ozone per hour. The ozone generator  102  can include other methods and systems for generating ozone, including but not limited to, electrochemical cells configured to generate ozone from water by placing an anode and a cathode in contact with opposite sides of a proton exchange membrane (PEM), and supplying power to the cell, whereby water flowing over the surface of the anode breaks down into hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms that assemble to form O 3  (ozone). 
     The system  100  can include one or more of a filter  125  (or dryer) and a compressor  127  in communication with the input port  124  via a coupling  129  to filter and/or compress ambient air received by the ozone generator  102 . For example, the compressor  127  can include a port to receive ambient air (e.g., air within the interior region  114  of the housing  110 ), whereby the filter  125  interact with the air, which is then introduced to the ozone generator  102  via the coupling  129  and the input port  124 . The filter  125  can dry the air received by the compressor  127  by removing water vapor or moisture therefrom, where the water could inhibit the production of ozone by the ozone generator  102 . The pressure provided by the compressor  127  can vary depending on the water pressure supplied to the system  100  via the water inlet  104 , where the pressure applied by the compressor  127  can be balanced based on the flow rate of air received by the ozone generator  102  via the input port  124  and the water pressure supplied to the system  100  via the water inlet  104  to obtain a particular ORP of the water at the water outlet  106 . For example, in implementations, the compressor  127  can compress the filtered air at least about 15 KPa (e.g., more particularly at a pressure of 18 KPa or about 2.6 psi) to provide a gas throughput in the ozone generator  102  of about 8 SCFH (standard cubic feet per hour), where the water pressure at the water inlet  104  is about 50 psi to 55 psi (e.g., a reasonable rating for many residential and commercial facilities), to provide an ORP in the water at the water outlet of at least about 600 mV (e.g., about 600 mV to about 800 mV, more particularly about 650 mV to about 750 mV). At these pressures, the ozone generator  102  has a residence time of the gas of about three seconds. The pressure applied by the compressor  127  of the ozone generator  102  can affect the rate at which the gas flows through the ozone generator  102 , which can affect contact time of the air with the components of the ozone generator  102 , which can also affect mass gas transfer rates within the ozone generator  102 . 
     In implementations, the system  100  can include a plurality of ozone generators  102 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the system  100  includes a first ozone generator  102   a  and a second ozone generator  102   b  in series with the first ozone generator  102   a.  The first ozone generator  102   a  is supplied with power from a first transformer  128   a  coupled with the power source  118 , whereas the second ozone generator  102   b  is supplied with power from a second transformer  128   b  also coupled with the power source  118 . Ambient air from within the housing  110  can be drawn into the first ozone generator  102   a  via the port  124   a  (where such air can be filtered and compressed), where fluids can be subsequently introduced to the second ozone generator  102   b  in series with the first ozone generator  102   a  via coupling  130 . In implementations, the plurality of ozone generators  102  provides one or more backup ozone generators  102  in case of malfunction or inoperability of one or more of the other ozone generators  102 . Each ozone generator  102  can include an operating life of about 10,000 working hours. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the venturi  108  can include an injector venturi design (e.g., a “T” design), where the venturi  108  is coupled between the water inlet  104  and the water outlet  106 , and where ozone generated by the ozone generator  102  is introduced to the venturi  108  through another port (e.g., port  132 ) positioned perpendicular to the flow path of the water (from the water inlet  104  to the water outlet  106 ). In implementations, the venturi  108  is coupled to the ozone generator via a coupling  134  connected to port  132 . During operation, the ozone generated by the ozone generator  102  is drawn into the venturi  108  and mixed with the water stream flowing from the water inlet  104  to the water outlet  106 . A pressure differential between the water inlet  104  and the water outlet  106  is utilized to facilitate drawing the ozone into the venturi  108  and to facilitate mixing of the ozone and the water.  FIG. 4  provides a diagrammatic representation of ozone molecules  136  mixing with water  138  (e.g., via vortex action) within the venturi  108 , and further mixing downstream from the port  132  toward the water outlet  106 . In an implementation, a pressure differential greater than 20 psi inlet over outlet (e.g., at least a 20 psi difference between the water inlet  104  and the water outlet  106 , with pressure higher at the water inlet  104 ) is provided to generate negative suction in the venturi  108  relative to the ozone generator  102  to thereby draw in the generated ozone through the port  132 , while assuring the energy for water flow and pressure for operation of the venturi  108 . 
     In implementations, in order to further increase effectiveness of the mixing process delivered by the venturi  108 , the water and ozone solution passes through an in-line mixer  140  coupled between the venturi  108  and the water outlet  106 . The in-line mixer  140  can facilitate further breaking or mixing of ozone bubbles already introduced to the water to generate a mixture (or solution) of water and substantially uniform-sized ozone bubbles. The small uniform-size ozone bubbles can adhere to each other to lower the surface tension of the water and ozone solution. For example, water can have a surface tension of about 72 Newtons (N), whereas the solution of water and substantially uniform-sized ozone bubbles can have a surface tension of about 58 Newtons (N). In implementations, the in-line mixer  140  has an internal diameter that equals an internal diameter of the output port of the venturi to which the in-line mixer  140  is coupled. The same internal diameter can provide an uninterrupted transition of the fluid flowing from the venturi  108  to the in-line mixer  140 , such as to maintain a vortex action or mixing action of the water and the ozone bubbles. The in-line mixer  140  also provides increased contact time between the water and ozone bubbles and can facilitate preparation of uniform ozone bubble size. In implementations, the in-line mixture  140  has a length of about two inches downstream from the venturi  108 , which can allow sufficient time for the velocity of the vortex action caused by the pressure differential of the venturi  108  to crush the gaseous bubbles entrained in the solution into uniformed size bubbles. The in-line mixer  140  can also reintroduce undissolved gas back into the solution resulting in increased efficiency as well as reduced off-gas at the point of application. The in-line mixer  140  can include multiple chambers through which the water and ozone solution flows. The size of the chambers can be determined based on the water flow (e.g., throughput), gas mixing, and desired time exposure. In implementations, operation of the system  100  produces a water stream at the water outlet  106  having a molar concentration of ozone of at least 20%, or more particularly at least 25%, far surpassing previous systems that have mass gas transfer rates of less than 10%. 
     In implementations, the system  100  is an ultra-compact system (e.g., 8″×8″×4″ enclosure, 12″×12″×6″ enclosure, or the like) configured to provide an ozone-rich water stream at a rate of about 3 gal/min, and can treat water having inlet pressures of between 15 psi and 85 psi to provide water having an ORP of between 650 mV and 750 mV to provide pathogenic control without introduction of harsh treatment chemicals, such as chlorine. After operation of the system  100 , the output water/ozone mixture can provide removal of organic and inorganic compounds, can provide removal of micro-pollutants (e.g., pesticides), can provide enhancement of the flocculation/coagulation decantation process, can provide enhanced disinfection while reducing disinfection by-products, can provide odor and taste elimination of the treated water, and so forth. The solubility of ozone in water is quite good, about 10 to 15 times greater than for oxygen under normal drinking water treatment conditions. About 0.1 to 0.6 liters of ozone will dissolve in one liter of water. The size of the ozone gas bubble in the system  100  can influence gas transfer characteristics. In implementations, the venturi  108  and in-line mixer  140  provide an ozone bubble size of about 2 to about 3 microns. For instance, micro-bubbles can be produced via the venturi  108 , and/or sheared into uniformed micro-size bubbles as the solution passed through the in-line mixer  140 . 
     Corona discharge ozone can be used virtually anywhere, such as with portable implementations of the system  100 . Since ozone is made on site, as needed and where needed, there is no need to ship, store, handle or dispose of it, nor any containers associated with shipping, storing, handling, and disposing a treatment chemical, as is the situation with most chemicals utilized in water treatment. 
     The system  100  can provide indications pertaining to the operation status of the system  100 , such as to ensure proper operation, or to provide an indication regarding a need for adjustment, servicing, or maintenance. For example, with general reference to  FIGS. 1-4  in an implementation, the system  100  further includes a flow meter  142  coupled between the water inlet  104  and the water outlet  106 . The flow meter  142  is shown coupled between the water inlet  104  and the venturi  108 , however in implementations, a flow meter  142  could be additionally or alternatively coupled between the venturi  108  and the water outlet  106 . The flow meter  142  can be configured to provide an electric signal indicative of a flow of fluid through the system  100 . For example, the flow meter  142  can include a mechanical flow meter, an electromagnetic flow meter, a pressure-based flow meter, an optical flow meter, or the like, configured to provide an electric signal indicative of a flow of fluid (e.g., water) through the system  100 . In implementations, the flow meter  142  can include a solenoid-based flow detector, such as to avoid significant restriction of flow between the water inlet  104  and the water outlet  106 . The flow meter  142  can be configured to send the signal to the indicator  122  that provides a visual, tactile, or audible indication that the fluid (e.g., water) is flowing through the system  100 . In an implementation, the indicator  122  is a light source (e.g., an LED) configured to illuminate upon receiving a signal from the flow meter  142 . In an implementation, the indicator  122  is also coupled to a sensor (e.g., a relay) configured to measure that a voltage is applied to the ozone generator  102 . When a proper voltage is applied to the ozone generator  102 , the sensor can send a signal to the indicator  122 . In an implementation, the indicator will provide a visual, tactile, or audible indication when each of the sensor and the flow meter  142  provide their respective signals to the indicator  122 . For example, the system  100  can include a relay  144  coupled to each of the power source  118  and the flow meter  142 . The relay  144  is configured to send an activation signal to the indicator  122  when the power source  118  is providing power to the ozone generator  102  and when the flow meter  142  provides a signal regarding fluid flow through the system  100 . In such a configuration, the indicator  122  can verify that the system  100  is operating under design conditions (e.g., having an active flow of water, and having a sufficient power supply to the ozone generator  102 ). 
     The system  100  can be configured to provide multiple options for distribution of the solution of water and ozone provided at the water outlet  106 . For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , the system can include a distribution line  146  which is configured to couple the water outlet  106  with one or more of a spray nozzle  148  and a faucet system  150  to provide access to the solution of water and ozone. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates that a distribution line  148  may be coupled to the water outlet  106  so as to extend to a T-fitting or splitter  150 . A water line  152  extends from T-fitting  150  to an aqueous ozone solution tap  154  mounted on a sink  158  to deliver an aqueous ozone solution  156 . The T-fitting  150  may also be connected to a carbon filter  160 . The downstream side of carbon filter  160  is connected to a purified drinking water tap  162  by a water line  164  to deliver purified drinking water  166 . 
     Through the use of the T-fitting or splitter  150  and the carbon filter  160 , the system not only sanitizes the water but filters particulates from the water to provide pure and clean potable drinking water. The system reduces the need to purchase disposable plastic water bottles. The invention has the ability to purify any public water on-site and on-demand by removing toxic heavy metals and pathogens from the water. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates that the distribution line  148  may be coupled to the water outlet  106  so as to extend to a carbon filter  160 . The downstream side of carbon filter  160  is connected to an ice making machine  168  by water line  164  to deliver purified drinking water to the ice making machine  168  so that the ice produced thereby will be comprised of purified drinking water. The purified drinking water supplied to the ice making machine  168  prevents calcification of the internal components of the ice making machine  168 . 
     In implementations, the system  100  can include an in-line ORP meter positioned to measure the ORP of the water and ozone solution, such as adjacent the water outlet (e.g., within the housing  110 , outside the housing  110 , etc.), coupled with the distribution line  146 , or the like. The in-line ORP meter can be coupled with the relay  144 , such that the in-line ORP meter provides a signal to the relay  144  upon detection of a desired ORP or range of ORPs (e.g., at least 600 mV, at least 650 mV, etc.). The relay  144  can then provide an activation signal to the indicator  122  upon proper functioning of the system  100  (e.g., when the power source  118  is providing power to the ozone generator  102 , when the flow meter  142  provides a signal regarding fluid flow through the system  100 , and when the in-line ORP meter detects a desired ORP of the water and ozone solution generated by the system  100 ). When the indicator  122  is not activated, this can provide an indication that a component or components of the system  100  may need adjustment, servicing, or maintenance. Alternatively, the system  100  can be configured to activate the indicator  122  upon failure of one or more of the components of the system  100  (e.g., no power supplied to the ozone generator  102 , no flow of water detected by the flow meter  142 , or an undesired ORP detected by the in-line ORP meter). 
     By providing an ORP of between 650 mV and 750 mV with the system, the output water can be utilized to destroy various pathogens, including, but not limited to, algae (e.g., blue-green), bacteria (e.g.,  Aeromonas  &amp;  Actinomycetes, Bacillus, Campylobacters, Clostridium botulinum, Escherichia coli  ( E. coli ),  Flavobacterium, Helicobacter  (pylori), Heterotrophic Bacteria,  Legionella pneumophila, Micrococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Shigella shigellosis  (dysentery),  Staphylococcus  sp,  albus, aureus, Streptococcus, Vibrio: alginolyticus, anguillarium, parahemolyticus, Yersinia enterocolitica ), fungi, molds, yeasts, mold spores, nematodes, protozoa (e.g., Acanthamoeba &amp; Naegleria, Amoeboe Trophozoites, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Entamobea (histolytica), Giardia lamblia, Giardia muris, Microsporidium, N. gruberi), trematodes, viruses (e.g., Adenovirus, Astrovirus, Callcivirus, Echovirus, Encephalomyocarditis, Enterovirus, coxsachie, poliovirus, Hepatitis A , B and C, Myxovirus influenza, Norwalk, Picobirnavirus, Reovirus, Rotavirus). 
     Water Treatment 
     Microbiological organisms/species can reside in water sources, including water intended for drinking recreation. Among the microbiological threats is the protozoan parasite—cryptosporidium (crypto). Crypto can be a particular challenge for the water treatment industry, however, ozone can eliminate it. Ozone, molecularly known as O 3 , is a sanitizer and is relentless in its attack of organic microbes (bacteria, viruses, cysts, etc). Through a process known as lysing, ozone breaks down cell walls or membranes, where it can then destroy the nucleus of the microbe. In addition to sanitation, ozone can provide for the oxidizing of inorganic material that could be present in water, such as metals (e.g., iron and manganese). Although there are a few stronger oxidizers, ozone is the strongest that is readily available for commercial or residential use.  FIG. 6  provides a chart showing relative oxidizer strength for a variety of oxidizers. As shown, ozone is about 1.5 times stronger than chlorine, and can provide a faster oxidizing action. Furthermore, because of this higher oxidation strength, ozone does build up a tolerance to microbes unlike other sanitizers, such as chlorine. Within the microbial world protozoa, such as crypto, are some of the most resistant to all types of disinfectants. One reason for this resistance is due to its hard outer protective shell, which must be broken through prior to the microbe being inactivated. Crypto can cause a variety of ailments, including abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever and nausea that can last as long as a month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disinfectants used to ward off cryptosporidium for water treatment applications can include chlorine (liquid state), chloramines, chlorine-dioxide (gaseous state), and ozone. However, their ability to perform this inactivation duty should not be regarded equal, as each sanitizer requires a specific level of concentration and contact time to take effect, as described by the following. 
     To better determine the specific amount of the disinfectant required to inactivate or destroy a microbe, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined Ct Values. These Ct Values are the product of the disinfectant&#39;s concentration (C, expressed in mg/L) and the contact time (t, expressed in minutes). These Ct Values are calculated specifically to the percentage of microbial kill or better known as the log reduction, e.g. 1-Log =90.0 percent, 2-Log=99.0 percent or 3-Log=99.9 percent inactivation of the particular microbe. According to the EPA, chlorine dioxide would require a Ct of 226, which would correlate to 226 mg/L, at one minute of contact time, at 25° C. to achieve a 3-Log reduction or 99.9 percent inactivation. Although, ozone would only require a Ct of 7.4, correlating to 7.4 mg/L, to achieve the same 99.9 percent inactivation with the same parameters as chlorine dioxide. Ct is a product of concentration and time, and as such, both can be manipulated, as long as the given Ct Value is obtained for the desired log reduction (e.g. Ozone Ct of 7.4 can be achieved with a concentration 3.7 mg/L for two minutes of time). 
     Cryptosporidium outbreaks in public drinking waters and recreational swimming pools are becoming more and more of an evident issue. Unfortunately, forms of chlorine sanitation are not often the best solution, especially for high organic and inorganic contaminant levels, as they will create chlorine oxidation by-products, such as trihalomethanes (THM) and chloramine derivatives. These by-products are the typical cause of (what most associate as being over chlorinated) the chlorine smell in drinking or pool waters, and are the cause of itchy, smelly skin and burning eyes in pool water. Although with a properly sized system, ozone can be used as the primary sanitizing and oxidizing agent, oxidizing the contaminants completely. Using ozone in this manner would then allow chlorine to be used as the secondary residual sanitizer to satisfy regulatory requirements, without the production of chloramines and chlorine&#39;s side effects. 
     Further, ozone can be used to remove iron and manganese from water, forming a precipitate that can be filtered: 
       2Fe 2+ +O 3 +5H 2 O→2Fe (OH) 3 (s)+O 2 +4H + 
 
       2Mn 2+ +2O 3 +4 H 2 O →2MN (OH) 2 (s)+2O 2 +4H + 
 
     Ozone will also reduce dissolved hydrogen sulfide in water to sulfurous acid: 
       3O 3 +H 2 S→3H 2 SO 3 +3O 2  
 
     The reactions involved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide can be especially important in the use of ozone-based well water treatment. Further, ozone will also detoxify cyanides by converting the cyanides to cyanates (on the order of 1,000 times less toxic): 
       CN − +O 3 →CNO − +O 2  
 
     Ozone will also completely decompose urea, where recent outbreaks of  E - coli  in lettuce have been impacted by urea: 
       (NH 2 ) 2 CO+O 3 →N 2 +CO 2 +2H 2 O
 
     Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives. 
     Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.