STATE OF WISCONSIN
DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (DSPS)
AN INTRODUCTION TO POTABLE WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS, FEEDERS AND
PUMPS
1
THANK YOU!
I would like to thank the Wisconsin Association of Dairy Plant Field
Representatives, President Eric Helms, Chris Theder of DATCP,
UW-Madison Dept. of Food Service, UW Extension and DSPS
management for the opportunity to speak with you here today.
2
CONTACT INFORMATION
Glen Schlueter
Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
Phone: 608-267-1401
Email: glen.schlueter@wisconsin.gov
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I have been working for the State of Wisconsin for 23 years.
Prior to this, I was the Laboratory Supervisor for the Water
Quality Association in Lisle, Il.
Prior to that, I was a Technical Data Analyst/chemist for a
number of petroleum based laboratories.
3
CONTACT INFORMATION
I am the primary contact for water treatment installed in/on:
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one- and two-family dwellings;
Transient Non-Community Water Supplies [TNC's (e.g. bars,
restaurants, quick-marts; ≥ 25 different people)]; and
Non-Transient Non-Community Water Supplies in Wisconsin
[NTNC's (e.g. schools, daycares, factories; ≥ 25 same people)].
I also work on healthcare plumbing appliances, water reuse
systems, alternate plumbing products and materials, and act as
a general technical resource to the DSPS.
4
OVERVIEW
Chemical feed systems are comprised of three main components:
a. a pump or feeder
b. a chemical (solid, liquid or gas); and
c. a reservoir/solution tank (I'll not discuss these much, it at all, this evening)
We shall now discuss the basics of each with a special emphasis
on what you're most likely to experience in the field and effective
techniques for common contaminants.
5
FEEDERS AND PUMPS
Not all methods are created equal. Each method has pros and cons
and is well suited for specific end uses.
EROSION FEEDERS use a solid chemical [e.g. calcium hypochlorite
(Ca(ClO)2] and can be prone to highly variable chemical
concentrations in the treated water when undersized or misapplied.
This is because erosion feeders may initially release highly
concentrated chemical dosages after sitting idle or under low flow
conditions for an extended time and contrarily release low dosages
during sustained periods of high flow. Erosion feeders are well suited
to the pool and spa applications. I place well-mounted pellet
chlorinators in this category.
6
A FLOATING SOLID CHLORINE
[Ca(ClO) ] FEEDER
2
7
A WELL SOLID [Ca(ClO)2]PELLET
CHLORINATOR
8
PELLET CHLORINATOR CUTAWAY
9
COMMERCIAL-INDUSTRIAL SOLID
[Ca(ClO)2] CHLORINE FEEDER
10
VENTURI FEEDERS
VENTURI FEEDERS use the suction created via the venturi
effect to draw a liquid or gas into a flowing water stream. A
given venturi requires a specific range of pressure
differential/flow rate to function correctly. Venturi feeders are
well suited to irrigation applications in which the flow rates are
relatively constant and predictable.
11
A VENTURI INJECTOR/ASPIRATOR
12
A PROPER VENTURI
INSTALLATION
13
A PROPER VENTURI
INSTALLATION
14
DIAPHRAGM PUMPS
DIAPHRAGM PUMPS rely on the positive displacement of a
flexible diaphragm to operate a series of check valves.
15
BASIC DIAPHRAGM PUMP
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
16
DIAPHRAGM PUMP CUTAWAY
17
DIAPHRAGM PUMP PRIMARY
CONSIDERATIONS
Dosage is altered by increasing the length of the stroke and/or
rate of the stroke of the plunger/piston. Water system pressure
directly affects pump output. Prone to fouling because the check
valves become may become fouled/fail; check valves should be
replaced every 6-12 months, more frequently if service
conditions demand it. If checks, and other components,
continually show signs of premature wear, that may be indicative
of a chemical compatibility problem. Difficult to prime/loses prime
(out gassing). Many serviceable parts relative to the other
methods discussed. Well suited to high pressure applications.
With proper service and maintenance, a very reliable, accurate
and widely used variety of positive displacement pump. High
shearing forces may damage some molecules.
18
PERISTALTIC PUMPS
PERISTALTIC PUMPS rely on the positive displacement of a
flexible tube via a series of external pinch rollers.
19
PERISTALTIC PUMP CUTAWAY
20
PERISTALTIC PUMPS PRIMARY
CONSIDERATIONS
Peristaltic pumps have relatively few serviceable parts, and do
not use small valves subject to fouling. In most cases, the
primary maintenance consideration is to replace the tube on a
regular basis. Dosage is altered by increasing the rate of pinch
roller rotation. Water system pressure does not affect pump
output. Low shear forces do not damage delicate molecules.
21
DIAPHRAGM VS. PERISTALTIC
The diagram below depicts the differences in the uniformity of
chemical dosages delivered.
22
A HANDY COMPARATIVE CHART
23
COMMON WATER TREATMENT
CHEMICALS
The chemicals. The first step is a comprehensive water analysis by
a reputable, certified, lab to determine what, if any, water treatment
is indicated and if so, what type. The best and primary option is
always a naturally occurring safe source of water with acceptable
aesthetic quality; only when that option is exhausted does treatment
become an attractive secondary option.
The second step, and most important step in using, handling and
storing chemicals is SAFETY. Insists on Safety Data Sheets
[SDS’s (formerly known as MSDS sheets)], proper container
labeling and in the case of potable water treatment, a NSF/ANSI
Standard 60 listing label. Also, all disinfectant chemicals must be
registered with the EPA as required under FIFRA.
24
NSF/ANSI STANDARD 60 LABEL
25
ANSI/NSF STANDARD 60
LISTINGS
Any bulk container displaying the NSF/ANSI Standard 60 seal
should be directly traceable to a listing. We start here:
http://info.nsf.org/Certified/pwsChemicals/
http://info.nsf.org/Certified/PwsChemicals/
Let's use the example of a container labeled with a mfg. of “Better
Water Industries”, a brand name of “Well Safe”, a calcium
hypochlorite product.
26
NSF/ANSI STANDARD 60 SEARCH PAGE
27
ACTUAL SEARCH RESULT
28
RAPID HAZARD RECOGNITION
Also be familiar with the NFPA 704 Material Hazard Identification
System and HazCom 2012 labeling requirements.
29
NFPA 704 LABELING SYSTEM
30
HAZCOM 2012 LABELING SYSTEM
31
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
Chlorine. Chlorine exists in a variety of forms. Listed in order of
increasing hazard, we have:
1. Liquid = sodium hypochlorite (NaClO)
32
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.)
Solid = calcium hypochlorite [Ca(ClO2)]
33
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.)
Gaseous = chlorine gas (Cl2)
34
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.)
Chlorine is used for a variety of water treatment applications;
principle uses include disinfection and aesthetic water treatment
(e.g. iron, manganese and hydrogen sulfide).
35
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.)
In the context of disinfection, chlorine kills pathogens such as bacteria and
viruses by breaking the chemical bonds in their molecules. The toxicity of
chlorine is thought to be derived not from the chlorinen itself or its release
of nascent oxygen, but rather from the reaction of the HOCl with the
enzyme system of the cell. The superiority of HOCl over OCl may be due
to the small molecular size and electrical neutrality of HOCl which allow it to
pass through the cell membrane. For example, when enzymes come in
contact with chlorine, one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the molecule
are replaced by chlorine. This causes the entire molecule to change shape
or fall apart. When enzymes do not function properly, a microorganism will
die.
36
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.)
A crucial consideration for disinfecting water with free chlorine, and
other disinfectant chemicals, is “CT” value. “CT” stands for
Concentration x Time; concentration is typically expressed in parts
per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l), time is measured in
minutes. The lower the “CT” value, the more effective a given
disinfectant is.
As you might surmise, there are two options to get the same
resultant “CT.” If the concentration (C) of disinfectant increases,
then the amount of time (T) required decreases. Conversely, if the
concentration (C) of disinfectant decreases, then the amount of time
(T) increases.
37
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.)
Chlorine gas rapidly hydrolyzes to hypochlorous acid :
Cl2 + H2O → HOCl + H+ + Cl–
Aqueous solutions of sodium or calcium hypochlorite hydrolyze :
Ca(OCl)2 + 2H2O → Ca2+ + 2HOCl + 2OH–
NaOCl + H2O → Na+ + HOCl + OH–
Notice, the same equilibria are established whether elemental chlorine or hypochlorite is
used for chlorination.
The two chemical species formed by chlorine in water, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion
(OCl– ) are commonly referred to as “free” or “available” Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid and
will disassociate:
HOCl ↔ H+ + OCl –
In waters with pH between 6.5-8.5, the reaction is incomplete and both species (HOCl and OCl– ) will
be present. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the more (20x) germicidal form.
38
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.)
Temperature, and pH in particular, affect the efficacy of free
chlorine. In short, warm water temperatures and low (i.e. acidic) to
neutral pH are favorable.
39
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE (CONTD.) pH
EFFECT ON HOCl CONCETRATION
40
AVAILABLE CHLORINE OF
CHLORINATION CHEMICALS
Chemical
% available Cl2
Chlorine gas (Cl2)
100
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2)
263
Hypochlorites (OCl)
Calcium [Ca(OCl)2]
Sodium (NaOCl)
70
-
Industrial grade
12 - 15
Domestic grade
3-5
41
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.)
In the context of aesthetic contaminants, chlorine is used as an
oxidizing agent that induces precipitation, meaning that
dissolved substances are converted to solid particles that can be
subsequently removed via mechanical filtration. The
oxidation/filtration strategy is often used to remove iron,
manganese and hydrogen sulfide:
2 Fe2+(aq) + HOCl + 5H2O → 2 Fe(OH)3 (solid) + 5H+ + Cl-
H2S(aq) + HOCl → H+ + Cl- + S (solid) + H2O
Mn2+(aq) + HOCl + H2O → MnO2 (solid) + Cl- + 3H+
THE IRONY OF IRON. SPECIATE.
42
THE OXIDANTS: CHLORINE
(CONTD.) UNDESIRABLE
BYPRODUCTS OF CHLORINATION
If a chlorination process is applied to water containing organics
such as Total organic carbon (TOC) or natural organic material
(NOM), then the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) is
possible and monitoring for DBP’s must be performed on a regular
basis.
43
THE OXIDANTS: HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE (H2O2)
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is rarely
used in drinking water treatment as a stand-alone treatment
process. A significant obstacle to widespread use as a
disinfectant is related to the unstable nature of H2O2 as it
pertains to the calculation of the aforementioned “CT.”
Consequently, it is not approved by regulatory agencies as a
stand-alone disinfection treatment process.
44
THE OXIDANTS: HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE (CONTD.)
45
THE OXIDNATS: HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE (CONTD.)
H2S + 4H2O2 → SO4 2- + 4H2O + 2H+
(for pH > 8)
2Fe2+ + H2O2 + 2H+ → 2Fe+3 + H2O
46
THE OXIDANTS: HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE (CONTD.)
However, there are a number of technologies where H2O2 is
used as part of the treatment program. The advanced oxidation
process (AOP) uses H2O2 in conjunction of O3 and/or UV light to
produce hydroxyl radicals (OH-). The powerful hydroxyl radicals
are more effective than ozone or UV alone.
47
THE OXIDANTS: HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE (CONTD.)
In the H2O2/UV AOP, H2O2 is fed ahead of the UV unit such that
the water containing H2O2 is irradiated by the UV. The oxidation
potential of a hydroxyl radical (2.8V) is much greater than other
oxidizing agents such as ozone (2.07V) and chlorine (1.39V) and
thus has the capability of oxidizing a variety of organic and
inorganic contaminants. The UV/ H2O2 process is accomplished
through two stages of oxidation. In the first step, UV light
catalyzes the dissociation of hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl
radicals through chain reactions. These oxidants then react with
the contaminants of interest in the water:
H2O2 + hv = 2OH-
48
THE OXIDANTS: HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE (CONTD.)
In the H2O2/ozone (O3) AOP, H2O2 is added either before or after
the point of ozone injection. Addition of hydrogen peroxide
following ozone is the best way to operate. Oxidation efficiency
is increased via the conversion of ozone molecules to hydroxyl
radicals. Such systems are sometimes referred to as
“peroxzone” systems.
49
THE OXIDANTS: HYDROGEN
PEROXIDE (CONTD.)
Hydrogen Peroxide is one of the most powerful oxidizers
known; stronger than chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and potassium
permanganate. Through catalysis using UV and/or ozone,
H2O2 can be converted into hydroxyl radicals (OH-) with
reactivity second only to fluorine.
Oxidant
Oxidation Potential, V
Fluorine
3.0
Hydroxyl radical
Ozone
Hydrogen peroxide
2.8
2.1
1.8
Potassium permanganate
1.7
Chlorine dioxide
1.5
Chlorine
1.4
50
THE OXIDANTS: OZONE (O3)

A complete of discussion of ozone (O3) would be substantially
similar previous discussion of hydrogen peroxide and would
therefore be wasteful of our allotted time. However, there is
some information worth mentioning:

Ozone is highly unstable and must therefore be generated on-site
Ozone has a short half-life that depends on temperature, pH, pressure
and velocity of the water.

Under standard conditions (21°C, 1 bar) the half-life of ozone gas is 20
minutes. Dissolved ozone half-life is 20 minutes at pH 6, 15 minutes at
pH 7 and 5 minutes at pH 8.

Ozone is generated using air/O2 feed via two primary methods:
Corona discharge (dessicants)
UV exposure (λ = 185 nm)
51
THE OXIDANTS: OZONE (CONTD.)
52
THE OXIDANTS: HONORABLE
MENTIONS
Potassium permanganate (KMnO4):
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2):
Air (ambient ≈ 78% N2, 21% O2):
53
THE OXIDANTS: A COMPARISON
Oxidant
Oxidation Potential, V
Fluorine
3.0
Hydroxyl radical
2.8
Ozone
2.1
Hydrogen peroxide
1.8
Potassium permanganate
1.7
Chlorine dioxide
Chlorine
1.5
1.4
54
BY NOW YOU'VE PROBABLY HEARD SO MUCH ABOUT
OXIDANTS...
That you're blue in the face! So let's move on to...
55
THE PHOSPHATES
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The phosphate “family” is comprised of two primary groups:
Orthophosphates (PO4 3-) are used to halt corrosion of metallic
pipes (e.g. Pb/Cu), commonly on low alkalinity/low pH waters, by
forming an artificial passivating layer on wetted surfaces.
Polyphosphates (variable and many) are used for “sequestration”,
chemical combination of a chelating agent and metal ions in which
soluble complexes form.
56
THE PHOSPHATES (CONTD.)
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Hardness ions (i.e. Ca+2, Mg+2) and dissolved iron (Fe+2) are metal
ions commonly found in water and include calcium and
magnesium. Sequestration is dependent upon pH; a given
sequestrant works best in a particular pH range:
Sodium hexametaphosphate [(NaPO3)6] (SHMP) performs very
well at neutral pH ranges and is a good place to start.
57
THE NEUTRALIZERS

In the context of our discussion, there are two primary
chemicals to speak of:
1. Sodium carbonate [Na2CO3 (aka “soda ash”)]; and
58
THE NEUTRALIZERS (CONTD.)
2. sodium hydroxide [NaOH (aka “lye”, “caustic soda”)].
Both chemicals are used to increase and/or buffer low pH. Low
pH is typically a problem because the water is corrosive to
metallic piping materials resulting in contamination and water
leaks.
59
THE NEUTRALIZERS (CONTD.)
(AND PHOSPHATES)
60
THE NEUTRALIZERS (CONTD.)
(AND PHOSPHATES)
61
THE NEUTRALIZERS (CONTD.)
(AND PHOSPHATES)
62
THE NEUTRTALIZERS (CONTD.)
(AND PHOSPHATES)
63
THE NEUTRALIZERS (CONTD.)
(AND PHOSPHATES)
64
THE NEUTRALIZERS (CONTD.)
(AND PHOSPHATES)
65
THE END

That concludes this evening's presentation. Any questions?
If you have an opinion about tonight's presentation, then please
let DSPS supervisory staff know:

Thom Braun

Thomas.Braun@Wisconsin.gov

608-266-8981

Paula Veltum

Paula.Veltum2@Wisconsin.gov
66
WHAT DOES THE CODE SAY?
NR 812.37 Water treatment.
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(1) Scope. This section applies to treatment of water for potable use in a private or noncommunity water system except for the
disinfection treatment, batch chlorination, and acidification prescribed in ss. NR 812.22 and 812.41.
(2) General standards.
(a) Water treatment devices installed in a water system shall have a plumbing product approval in accordance with chs. SPS 382 and
384.
NR 812.37(2)(b) (b) A water supply to be treated for health related contaminants or requiring approval under sub. (3) shall produce
bacteriologically safe water prior to treatment, unless the department determines that a bacteriologically safe water supply is not
available. The water system owner or operator shall assure that the water supply remains bacteriologically safe after installation of a
water treatment device. Health related contaminants are those contaminants for which: primary drinking water standards are
established in ch. NR 809, public health groundwater quality standards are established in ch. NR 140, and health advisories are
established on a contaminant specific basis by the department.
Note: The department recommends that a bacteriologically safe water supply be used when any water treatment device is installed for
removal of any contaminant for any purpose.
(c) Water treatment devices shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's printed instructions, chs. SPS 382 and 384, and, if
specified, department written installation approval conditions. If there is a conflict between the manufacturer's instructions and the code
requirements or approval conditions, the code requirements and approval conditions shall take precedence .
67
WHAT DOES THE CODE SAY
(CONTD.)
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(d) Water treatment devices shall be installed by a:
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1. DSPS licensed plumber if installed following the pressure tank;
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2. Licensed pump installer if installed before the pressure tank; or
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3. Property owner in a one family building owned and occupied by the owner as their home or farm building, except where a DSPS
licensed plumber is required by local ordinance.
(c) Water treatment devices shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's printed instructions, chs. SPS 382 and 384, and, if
specified, department written installation approval conditions. If there is a conflict between the manufacturer's instructions and the code
requirements or approval conditions, the code requirements and approval conditions shall take precedence.

(d) Water treatment devices shall be installed by a:

1. DSPS licensed plumber if installed following the pressure tank;
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2. Licensed pump installer if installed before the pressure tank; or
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3. Property owner in a one family building owned and occupied by the owner as their home or farm building, except where a DSPS
licensed plumber is required by local ordinance.
68
WHAT DOES THE CODE SAY?
(CONTD.)
SPS 384.20(5)(r) Water treatment devices.
1. Water softeners shall conform to NSF-44.
Note: See s. SPS 382.40 for limitations as to the types of water treatment devices which may discharge to a POWTS.
2.
a. Except as provided in subd. 2. b., water treatment devices shall function and perform in accordance with the assertions submitted to
the department under s. SPS 384.10, relating to rendering inactive or removing contaminants.
b. A water treatment device which injects a water treatment compound into a water supply system shall maintain the compound
concentration in the system over the working flow rate range and pressure range of the device.
3. Except as specified in subd. 4., water treatment compounds introduced into the water supply system by a water treatment device shall be
listed as an acceptable drinking water additive by a listing agency approved by the department. Listing agencies approved by the
department shall include:
a. United States environmental protection agency;
b. United States food and drug administration; and
c. National sanitation foundation.
69
WHAT DOES THE CODE SAY?
(CONTD.)

4. A water supply system shall be protected from backflow when unlisted water treatment compounds, which may affect the potability
of the water, are introduced into the system. The department shall determine the method of backflow protection. Water supply outlets
for human use or consumption may not be installed downstream of the introduction of an unlisted water treatment compound.
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5. Water treatment devices designed for contaminated water supplies shall be labeled to identify the following information:
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a. The name of the manufacturer of the device;
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b. The device's trade name; and
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c. The device's model number.
70
WHAT DOES THE CODE SAY? (CONTD.)

EmR1423 Rule Text

Department of Safety and Professional Services (SPS)

Administrative Code Chapter Group Affected:

Chs. SPS 380-387; Plumbing

Administrative Code Chapter Affected:

Ch. SPS 384 (Revised)

Related to: Water-treatment devices

Finding of Emergency: The Department of Safety and Professional Services finds that an emergency exists and that this rule is necessary for the immediate
preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or welfare. A statement of facts constituting the emergency is as follows. Under current rules, water treatment devices
– including water softeners – may need two separate approvals before being used in Wisconsin. The first approval is typically from a third party, such as NSF
International, and is based on an industry standard. The second approval is under SPS chapter 384, which addresses situations where a plumbing product must
receive approval from the Department. Due to prolonged extreme weather conditions this past winter, spring, and summer, more private well owners than usual have
chosen to upgrade their water supply systems this year. The Department has reason to believe that its secondary review is delaying some of these well owners from
accessing plumbing products which would improve the safety of their drinking water. These products have been approved under industry standards and are available
to consumers in other states but have not yet received approval from the Department. Promulgating revisions through the emergency rule process is needed to avoid
further delays in using these products.

Date Rule Filed with LRB: September 25, 2014

Date Rule Published in State Newspaper: September 27, 2014

Effective Start Date: September 27, 2014

Expiration Date: February 23, 2015

Related documents:
EmR1423 Fiscal Estimate
71
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL
72
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL
(CONTD.)
73
CROSS CONNECTION CONTROL
(CONTD.)
74
PLUMBING CONSULTANTS
75
WHAT KIND OF SALESMAN…
76
WHAT KIND OF PLUMBER…
77
WHAT KIND OF PLUMBER…
78