Turbidity is usually caused by corrosion, especially in older steel pipes. This results in reddish-brown discoloration of the drinking water and deposits that can clog filters, strainers, aerators or angle valves. In addition, deposited corrosion products reduce the cross-section of circulation pipes – the flow rate decreases.
Comprex® effectively removes such deposits and restores the original water quality.
Emergence, consequences and elimination
Things to know about turbidity in drinking water
The cause of cloudy or brown water is usually old “galvanized” steel pipes. The pipes and fittings had a zinc coating during manufacture. Pipelines with these components are only suitable for certain waters. During operation, zinc forms cover layers and protects the steel. In unsuitable water, zinc corrodes in a short time and can no longer protect the steel. Iron corrosion products form and eventually the water turns brown (rust water).
Drinking ferrous, i.e. rusty, water is basically not dangerous. Thermal waters, for example, can have high iron concentrations. The Drinking Water Ordinance has 0.2 mg Fe/l as an indicator parameter.
Cloudy water is a sign that these pipes have reached the end of their useful life. Depending on the building’s use, renovation is a difficult task and requires careful planning. Intensive cleaning, possibly with subsequent water treatment, can be a sensible measure to extend the time window until renovation.
The cleaning measure requires careful pre-planning. It is necessary to assess the situation on site andcheck the feasibility of cleaning. Once all the requirements have been met, a schedule for carrying out the cleaning is drawn up. Follow-up measures such as water treatments are coordinated with the customer.
Disinfectants are oxidizing agents. They accelerate corrosion and the formation of corrosion products. In contrast, cleaning can help further.
The Comprex® impulse flushing process cleans intensively using only compressed air and water. It is used for solid deposits and incrustations as well as microbial contamination. As experts in mechanical cleaning, we have been applying our Comprex® process to pipes and systems since 1997 and to drinking water installations since 2005.
Operators often report that they spend a long time looking for an effective solution to turbidity problems, including those associated with contamination. The mechanical Comprex® cleaning of drinking water installations is well established. It is an economical and gentle solution for turbidity. Cleaning is a prerequisite for successful water treatment in order to extend the time window until the plant is rehabilitated.
Practical examples
Turbidity problems in a special school
