How to use Chlorine Dioxide Solution to Purify your Well Water

Chlorine dioxide is a powerful disinfectant that can be used to purify well water and make it safe to drink. However, it's essential to use it correctly and safely, as it can be hazardous if mishandled. Here are the steps to use chlorine dioxide for well water purification:

1. Safety Precautions:

• Use personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety glasses when handling chemicals.
• Work in a well-ventilated area or wear a mask if necessary.

2. Gather the necessary materials:

• Chlorine dioxide water purification kit WPS or Chlorine Dioxide 3000 ppm premixed CDS. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and dosing.
• A clean, food-grade container for mixing the solution.
• A measuring cup or scale for accurate dosing.
• Rubber gloves and safety goggles for protection.
• Timer or watch.   
• A method for agitating the solution (e.g., stirring rod).

3. Calculate the dosage:

• The amount of chlorine dioxide needed depends on the volume and condition of the water you intend to purify. To determine the appropriate dosage, follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult a water treatment specialist for guidance tailored to your specific situation.
• For example, if you have a 100 gallon well with lightly contaminated water, you would typically require 100 to 150 drops to effectively clean the well. However, if the water is heavily polluted, you may need to use 250 to 330 drops.
• To provide some perspective, 1 milliliter (1 ml) equals 20 drops when dispensed from the turret dropper cap on the plastic bottle.
• 1 drop would mean, 2 drops total as it would be 1 from part A and 1 from Part B. Also you can think of it as 1 drop of sodium chlorite, also that is more important then the activator.
• When we refer to "1 drop," it actually means 2 drops in total, because it includes 1 drop from Part A and 1 from Part B. You can also think of it as 1 drop of sodium chlorite, which is the more crucial component in this context, outweighing the importance of the activator.

4. Prepare the correct amount of chlorine dioxide solution:

• To measure the required amount accurately, pour the chlorine dioxide solution into a clean container. In the case of the kit, keep the measured Part A and Part B in separate containers until you're ready to mix them. This approach simplifies the measurement process.
• Carefully measure out the required amount of chlorine dioxide solution as per the calculated dosage.
• You can utilize a chlorine dioxide testing kit to verify that the concentration matches the manufacturer's specifications. It is harder to test the water after words as its at low levels.

5. Mix the solution and activate (for WPS KIT):

• To ensure even proper activation of chlorine dioxide using the WPS KIT, use a clean container, stir or agitate the mixture, but be cautious of any fumes.
• Allow the mixture to stand and activate for approximately 30 seconds. Initially, a few drops will cause a transition to a yellow hue, while larger volumes (exceeding 50 ml) will evolve into a deep amber color, potentially progressing to an almost black shade. The color deepens with an increase in activated WPS quantity, approaching a near-black hue. This color evolution serves as a valuable indicator of the solution's effective performance.
• Moreover, you may discern a chlorine-like odor, intensifying as you employ larger quantities of the activated solution. This scent, in addition to its visual cues, acts as a confirmatory indication that the procedure is functioning as intended.

6. Add the solution to the well:

• Slowly pour the prepared chlorine dioxide solution into your well, making sure it is evenly distributed. Allow the solution to sit in the well for a sufficient contact time. The recommended contact time can vary, but it's often around 30 minutes to 2 hours as it will need time to disperse thought the whole well.
• You may need to remove the well cap or access point to do this. Be cautious and avoid contact with the solution as it can be harmful to skin and eyes.
• If you're working with a large quantity, consider adding water to the container after activation to help mitigate fumes, if necessary.

7. Flush the System:

• After the contact time has passed, run the water from your well through all faucets, taps, and hoses to flush the chlorine dioxide from the system. Ensure that you flush enough water to remove any residual disinfectant.
• The chlorine dioxide needs time to disinfect the water. Run the equipment for an around an hour or longer if desired for a better clean, to make sure it has gone though the whole system.

8. Test the water: 

• Most guidelines recommend a dosage of 2-5 mg/L (parts per million) of chlorine dioxide for well water disinfection.
• Unfortunately, once chlorine dioxide is introduced into the water, assessing it at low levels using test strips can prove unreliable and challenging. In such cases, it may be necessary to consider sending a sample to a laboratory for a more accurate evaluation. It's important to highlight that testing chlorine dioxide before its introduction into the water, using test strips at home, offers a more straightforward and reliable method. Link here

9. Monitor and repeat if necessary:

• Regularly test your well water coming out of the taps for contaminants and bacteria. If needed, repeat the chlorination process to maintain water quality.
• It is also recommend to clean your well at least once a year

10. Maintain records:

• Keep records of when you treated your well, the dosage used, and the results of water testing for future reference.

Remember that chlorine dioxide is a powerful disinfectant and should be handled with care. Follow all safety precautions and manufacturer's instructions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the well water purification process. If you are unsure about the dosage or process, consider consulting with a water treatment professional for assistance or your local health department for guidance on well water purification.

AllOne Wellness is proud that all our WPS Water Purification Solutions are a product of Canada. We are also selling to the United States.