Topbostäder in Gällivare has faced recurring challenges with Legionella in one of its properties for several years. Despite previous measures, it has been difficult to achieve a long-term improvement in water quality.
To address the problems, Topbostäder chose to collaborate with the Swedish clean-tech company Xinix Global AB and install FreeBact® Dosage, an automated system for continuous disinfection of tap water.
The system is based on chlorine dioxide, ClO₂, which is dosed continuously and controlled in the water system to counteract bacterial growth and biofilm in the property's piping network.
Up to 98.8% reduction of Legionella
The follow-up water analyses show a clear improvement. Legionella levels have decreased by approximately 90 to 98.8 percent compared to previous sampling, see report.
The results provide Topbostäder with an important basis in the continued work to long-term control Legionella and maintain a safe water environment in the property.
Continuous treatment of the entire water system
FreeBact® Dosage has been developed for continuous dosing in water systems. Unlike a single remediation effort, the water is treated continuously, which makes it possible to work both with the microbiological water quality and with problems that may exist further into the piping system.
For Xinix, the project is particularly significant because it shows how FreeBact® Dosage can be used even in multi-family properties with older tap water systems, where Legionella can be a recurring and difficult-to-manage challenge.
Biofilm, a possible explanation for recurring Legionella problems
One of the challenges in Legionella control is biofilm, a coating of microorganisms that can form on the inside of water pipes. In the biofilm, Legionella can get protection and favorable conditions to survive, which can contribute to the bacteria returning despite repeated remediation efforts.
In older tap water systems, this can be a particular challenge. Since previous measures had not resulted in a long-term improvement at Topbostäder, biofilm is a possible contributing factor, even though this has not been established through sampling.
FreeBact® Dosage is based on the continuous dosing of chlorine dioxide, which has a documented effect against both free-living bacteria and biofilm. The treatment therefore aims not only to reduce bacterial levels in the water, but also to counteract the conditions in the piping system that can contribute to recurring problems.
A successful collaboration
”The result confirms that the measures we have implemented together with Xinix have had a very good effect. That Legionella levels have decreased by up to 98.8 percent is an important result.
Our tenants should be able to feel safe in their homes, and therefore we continue to work long-term and systematically with safe water environments in our properties.”
Fredrik Eriksson
Operations Coordinator, Topbostäder AB
Read more about FreeBact Dosage
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Contact
If you have any questions & considerations, please feel free to contact us.
Alexandra Németh, Vice CEO & Marketing Manager, Xinix Global AB
alexandra@xinix.se
Mobile: 070-78 601 678
