GCC Construction Industry Warning on the Dangers of Copper Silver Ionization Water Treatment and Legionella Prevention

Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates | With ASHRAE 188 Legionella prevention standard just around the corner, industry professionals who have experience with copper-silver ionisation will be the first to tell you that many facility owners, managers and consultant engineers are simply not aware of the key differences between swimming pool and industrial type copper silver ionisation. When it comes to Legionella control and prevention within facility potable water network, industrial size copper-silver ionisation technology has proven to be one of the most cost effective and reliable technology available. Yet if the wrong type of technology is installed, the results can be life threating by causing a Legionnaire’s disease outbreak.
 
Among the most common mistakes seen in the industry is the use of the smaller type “swimming pool” copper-silver ionisation units. These units are engineered for ornamental fountains and swimming pools, very affordable, yet not intended to be used in water distribution networks. Facility water management companies have reported a total application failure of swimming pool units after just a few days in operation within facility water distribution networks. These facilities, such as hospitals, hotels, schools, sport complexes and nursing homes, use larger volumes of new potable water on a daily basis.
 
“We have first hand experience with these swimming pool type copper silver ion generators in the UAE and they are clearly not engineered for potable water networks” said Mr. Shadi Rafeh, now certified industrial size copper-silver ion generator expert in Abu Dhabi. “This is exactly why we decided to study the matter 3 years ago. We are now attempting to educate government, local consultant engineers and water industry experts on the dangers associated to swimming pool type copper silver ion generators when installed in potable water distribution networks.”
 
Mr. Chris Gauthier, who is a Canadian microbiologist and environmental legionella expert with 23 years water treatment experience, confirms Mr. Rafeh’s observations. “Yes this is totally accurate and very logical. Industrial size copper silver ion generators must be used for Legionella prevention within facility water networks.” Gauthier adds; “Engineers should seriously consider getting the facts on this type technology.” In his closing comments, Gauthier adds, “Swimming pool units are simply not engineered for potable water distribution networks. I’d compare it to an economy compact car when what you need is an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. Only a few companies in the world can offer industrial or military grade copper silver ion generators. Consultant engineers must understand the very real dangers of using swimming pool units within facility water distribution networks.”
 
Mr. Gauthier will be in Abu Dhabi for presentations in the spring of 2013 where he will outline in detail the engineering facts that surrounds swimming pool units vs. industrial and military size copper silver ion generators.
 
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Contact Information

Mr. Chris Gauthier

Environmental Legionella Microbiologist

Legionella Prevention Expert

(1) 888-988-4667

chris@aqualyse.ca