the solution ozone technology water science

Environmental and Operational Benefits

Sustainability in Action:
  • Zero Chemicals: Eliminates handling, storage, and transport of hazardous substances.
  • Minimal Wastewater: Reduced or no post-treatment flushing required.
  • Low Carbon Footprint: Reduced truck and machinery use due to efficiency.

 

Operational Advantages:
  • Streamlined approval process
  • Less need for external contractor oversight
  • Improved safety for field staff
  • Faster time-to-service = project cost savings

FAQs

Is Ozone safe for drinking water?

Yes. It’s widely used in water treatment and reverts to oxygen, leaving no trace.

How long does treatment take?

Typically 10–30 minutes depending on pipe size and contamination.

Is there a risk of byproducts?

Only if bromide levels are unusually high. Bromide is generally low in NZ water.

How is treatment validated?

All projects include IANZ-certified lab testing and detailed reporting.

Can it be used in any pipeline?

Yes, with pre-assessment and compatibility checks done by our team.

What is Ozone Pipeline Disinfection, and how does it work?

Ozone pipeline disinfection is a modern, chemical-free method of sterilising newly constructed or rehabilitated drinking water pipelines. The process uses ozone (O3) gas, a powerful natural oxidiser, which is dissolved into water and circulated through the pipeline system. It breaks down bacteria, viruses, and biofilm without leaving harmful residues—unlike traditional chlorine methods. The ozone naturally decomposes into oxygen, leaving the pipeline clean, safe, and ready for commissioning.

Is Ozone disinfection safe for drinking water infrastructure?

Yes, it is completely safe. When applied correctly, ozone is one of the most effective and environmentally responsible disinfectants available. Our system is operated under strict manufacturer guidelines and supported by internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and IANZ-accredited laboratory testing. Ozone is widely used in Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia for drinking water disinfection, and now increasingly in New Zealand.

How does Ozone compare to chlorine in terms of effectiveness?

Ozone is significantly more powerful than chlorine as a disinfectant—it oxidises contaminants more rapidly and penetrates biofilms more effectively. Unlike chlorine, ozone does not leave harmful by- products or long-lasting residuals in the pipeline. Additionally, ozone treatment often requires less contact time, reducing overall project timelines and minimising environmental and health-related risks associated with chemical exposure.

Is the technology approved by local authorities?

Yes. Our Ozone disinfection service has been approved for use within the Auckland region. Our process follows established manufacturer protocols, internal SOPs, and independent laboratory validation. We are also working with other councils and authorities across New Zealand to promote greater awareness and acceptance of the technology as part of a long- term vision for national consistency.

What happens to the ozone after the disinfection process?

Ozone naturally decomposes back into oxygen within a short period. There are no residual chemicals or by-products left in the water or infrastructure. This makes ozone a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly disinfection option, eliminating the need for neutralising agents or chemical disposal procedures post-treatment.

Is this technology suitable for all water types and pipe materials?

Generally, yes. Ozone disinfection is suitable for most water sources and common pipe materials used in New Zealand infrastructure. Prior to treatment, we conduct a water quality assessment to determine suitability—especially testing for the presence of Bromide, which can lead to the formation of Bromate (a regulated by-product). In most regions of NZ, Bromide levels are naturally low, and ozone use is fully appropriate.

What are the environmental advantages of using ozone?

Ozone treatment is non-toxic, biodegradable, and leaves no chemical waste. It significantly reduces the ecological footprint of pipeline sterilisation by eliminating the need for chlorinated water flushing and neutralisation. It also supports water-saving practices, as the treated water can often be safely reused or discharged without environmental risk.

Can councils or contractors lease or purchase the Ozone unit directly?

We currently operate under a service delivery model to ensure strict operational control and regulatory compliance. However, we are actively exploring leasing agreements with interested councils or partners. These would include full training, ongoing support, and scheduled maintenance to ensure safe and consistent application of the technology.

What is the typical turnaround time for pipeline disinfection using Ozone?

Ozone disinfection often allows for same-day commissioning, depending on pipe length, diameter, and local conditions. The process is streamlined compared to chlorine methods, with faster contact times and reduced hold durations. This results in significant project efficiencies—especially for developers and contractors on tight timelines.

How can I get a demonstration or speak with someone about implementation?

We’re happy to offer live demonstrations, technical presentations, and tailored consultations for councils, engineering firms, or contractors. Please reach out to our team to arrange a site visit or an in-depth discussion. We are also attending key industry events like WIOG 2025, where you can experience our technology first-hand.

Vision for National Standards. 

Despite proven success in Australia and Auckland, New Zealand currently lacks a unified national code of practice for Ozone disinfection.
aotearoa nz clean river

Northwater’s Vision:

  • Lead development of NZ standards in collaboration with councils, iwi, and regulators
  • Promote trust and consistency for all water providers
  • Provide a tested framework for broader adoption of sustainable technologies