This is how water stays healthy: Drinking water disinfection and animal health

Drinking water disinfection protects against germs. It ensures that our water remains free from pathogens and protects against viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Clean water is especially crucial in agriculture and pigeon breeding.

What is drinking water disinfection?

Drinking water disinfection ensures that our water is safe. It is a central component of public health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the multi-barrier approach: clean raw water, filtration, disinfection, and continuous monitoring.

Why is drinking water disinfection important?

• Prevents the transmission of waterborne diseases
• Protects humans and animals from infections
• Improves drinking water quality and well-being
• Essential in agriculture and pigeon breeding

Methods of drinking water disinfection

Chemical methods

• Chlorine (hypochlorite): Effective against bacteria and viruses, provides residual disinfection in the distribution network.
• Chloramines: Long-lasting stability, fewer by-products, but risk of nitrification.
• Chlorine dioxide (ClO₂): Effective against biofilms, reduces microbial growth.
• Ozone: Very strong against germs, no residual protection, bromate must be monitored.

Physical methods

• UV light: Damages the DNA of microorganisms, highly effective against protozoa. Combination with chlorine/chloramine is recommended.
• Filtration & membrane processes (UF/NF/RO): Removes protozoa, bacteria, and dissolved substances. Activated carbon improves odor and taste.
• Other options: Distillation, heat treatment, reverse osmosis – useful in special cases.
  

Resistance-free alternatives

Phage therapy, plant extracts, or microbial competition – currently not approved as disinfection methods in the EU and Germany (§ 20 list UBA).

Practice: Drinking water hygiene in agriculture & breeding

Clean water is crucial for animal health and performance. Biofilms, which release germs and toxins, quickly form especially in drinkers.

Recommended measures:

• Regular cleaning & disinfection of drinkers and pipes
• Biofilm prevention through flow and hygiene management
• Quality controls for private wells

These measures reduce disease risks, improve animal welfare, and lower medication use.

Drinking water hygiene in the household & emergency

• Boiling: 1 minute at a rolling boil (from 2000 m altitude: 3 minutes)
• Chlorine bleach (5–9%): 2 drops/liter, let stand for 30 minutes
• Filters & UV devices: Use only certified products

Challenges & tips for water quality

• Compliance with limit values (TTHM, HAA, bromate, chlorite/chlorate)
• Installation of modern systems (e.g., multi-barrier)
• Regular inspection and monitoring
• Education on water hygiene in households and businesses

FAQ on drinking water disinfection

Is UV alone sufficient?
Yes, against germs – but without residual protection in the network. Therefore, usually combined with chlorine or chloramine.

Chlorine or chloramine – which is better?
Chlorine acts faster, chloramine lasts longer. The choice depends on the distribution network.

What to do about bromate during ozonation?
Know the bromide content, optimize pH/dosage, use activated carbon.

Conclusion: Clean drinking water for humans & animals

Sustainable safety is not achieved by a single method, but by combining methods. Those who combine UV with chlorine/chloramine, use ozone in a controlled way, and monitor by-products achieve long-term healthy water quality – at home, in agriculture, and in the network.

Drinking water disinfection protects health, animal welfare, and quality of life – today and in the future.