Monthly archives: September 2007

 

 

Unbelievable Isn't It?

  • By: Cindy

I can’t believe what I read in today’s Hartford Courant. The probable cause hearing is being postponed. It figures. Now we will have to wait even longer to see these “idiots” put on trial. And as far as the Courant getting information from warrants, forget it. Get on with this trial please. Do good reporting and stop relying on set information that is already in place. Use your sources like I have.

The past two incidents this year in Cheshire got me to look back at that old Cheshire Police Department 50th Anniversary Book. I came across some interesting “articles.”

According to the book:”The 1960′s brought about many changes including the opening of I-84 through Cheshire in Dec.1961. This brought an increase of traffic to town and further burdened the officers who were already supplementing the towns four traffic lights…..Motor vehicle enforcement also got a boost with Cheshire’s first RADAR unit, which resulted in nearly 100 warnings for speed being issued in September 1959.”

Editors note: OMG!!! Even then they couldn’t resist the ticket ticket ticket!!!

“Cheshire dealt with several escapes from the Reformatory and an all-out riot in July of 1961 required that all hands render assistance. Cheshire Police also had their first tests handling major crimes in the 1960′s.

When 38-year-old Constance Pompano robbed the Cheshire Branch of the Waterbury National Bank, she netted almost $1,500.

Editor’s note: in todays economy, that would be a little over $11,000.

“When Chief McNamara and Officer Larry Wild nabbed her buying clothes with the money in a nearby store, they earned a Letter of Commendation from FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

“In 1965 Cheshire experienced another criminal incident: ‘The Beaudry Case.’

In 1965, a 15 year old boy and his friend shot and killed the boy’s mother and 11 year old sister. The boys then stole cash and the family’s car and fled to Vermont. After his arrest, the boy admitted that he did it because his mother would not let him skip school to go hunting.”

The book also goes on to say: As other communities worked to end racial segregation, in August 1967, the Town Board of Selectmen wished to go on record as ‘welcoming non-white families to town.’

Oh here is another interesting tidbit: “Also during the mid-1960′s the town had begun to outgrow its buildings. The 7th Circuit Court or ‘Justice Court’ , which convened at the Town Hall to hear cases, agreed to move out of town temporarily until more space became available. They would later become G.A. #7 in Meriden and never return to Cheshire.”

Also: “The State of Connecticut gave serious consideration to several sites in Cheshire to build its new Police Academy in 1966. They also settled in Meriden and later constructed the very building that trains all Cheshire police officers to this day.”

“Police officials compllained of the difficulty in conducting proper suspect interviews because of the loud bingo games being hosted at the fire department in the same building. This prompted Selectmen to search for an alternate site for a new police department.”

And in a sad note: “During 1970, a committee to revise the Town’s charter neared the end of its work. It was decided that the body of goverment would change from a Board of Selectmen to a Town Council and Town Manager form. This change meant the abolishment of the Board of Police Commissioners and the final entry was made into the minutes of the Board’s meetings on November 8, 1971.”

Editor’s note: You know I will be looking at those minutes.!

Oh and here is something “familiar”—according the the book: “Talk turned serious in the 1980′s about the possibility of a large shopping mall being constructed in Cheshire. Because of the anticipation of the requirements of that facility, the police department began to hire additional officers and promote several already sworn to manage the growing force. The mall never came, but the department was now well prepared for the growth that the town would see.”

OK—enough of that.

As you know from prior posts, much of the information I have received from reputable sources on the street cannot be published at this time because I am not protected by the fourth amendment. Let’s put it this way-I know what these two creeps had for dinner last night-OK? Here is the story:

Home Invasion Suspects’ Hearing Postponed

BY ALAINE GRIFFIN

The Hartford Courant

1:26 PM EDT, September 17, 2007

NEW HAVEN

A Superior Court judge today agreed to postpone Tuesday’s probable-cause hearing for Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky, who are charged with killing a Cheshire mother and her two daughters during a burglary and arson in July.

In motions filed last week, defense attorneys for both men asked Judge Richard A. Damiani for the hearing to be continued for at least 60 days. The motions said the defense needed to review “a good deal of discovery material” submitted by the state as well as conduct further investigations.

Damiani agreed to continue the hearing until Nov. 6. Hayes and Komisarjevsky were not in court. Komisarjevsky, 27, of Cheshire, and Hayes, 44, of Winsted, face capital felony and multiple murder,

kidnapping, rape and arson charges in connection with the July 23 beating of Dr. William Petit and the killings of his wife, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and their daughters, Hayley, 17, and Michaela, 11.

The men were out on parole at the time of the attack.

William Petit, who police believe interrupted the burglary, was beaten but managed to escape from his Sorghum Mill Road home.

Hayes and Komisarjevsky were arrested by Cheshire police responding to the Petit home as the two suspects were fleeing in the family’s car.

New Haven State’s Attorney Michael Dearington has said he would pursue the death penalty if the two suspects are convicted.

Probable-cause hearings are mandatory for any defendant charged with a crime punishable by life in prison or death.

Damiani also today delayed until Oct. 16 a decision on whether to release 11 search warrant affidavits related to the arrests. The Courant is fighting a motion from the defense to keep the affidavits secret.

 

Same Old Story

  • By: Cindy

As we near the end of summer, the weather starts to get cooler, the leaves start falling–even earlier this year because of the dry weather, and the political signs start appearing.

It seems all the candidates are trying to get a jump on each other with their signs and pamphlets–”Oh I did this–and I did that–or I will do this or that–whatever! Reminds me of the old Aerosmith song “Same Old Story, Same Old Song and Dance.”

The Democrats have had a hold on this town for several years-now many people like the way the town is being run-but of course there are (just a few of us troublemakers) as someone in the town government liked to call us, that just don’t seem to be satisfied with anything or anyone. Isn’t that too bad!!

“You know 99 percent of the people don’t say anything, it is just a few that have to open their mouths and be a drain on the town’s resources” I once was told. Maybe that is the problem.

Well, several months ago, the “troublemakers” got together and got the senior tax freeze passed. It really amuses me that some people running for the Town Council are trying to say they got the tax freeze. Oh, give me a break!! This idea was put into play by Mrs. Carson, but her plea fell on deaf ears a few years ago by Democrats and Republicans the same.

Then a few years ago, probably longer than that-someone whom I will not mention-basically told everybody that could not afford to live here to move out of town and that started the fire all over again.

We all know who really got the senior tax freeze and it wasn’t who you think!!

Mrs. Carson, Mr. Coppeto, and my husband took to the streets with flyers, phone calls, etc. and pounded on this town until they saw the light. In all honestly, Tom Ruocco, Republican Town Council member actually made the motion–smart man. And Steve Carroll, who is running again for the Town Council also stuck his neck out and supported this issue. He also supported a police commission.

If any of you have a brain, you will support Steve Carroll. He addresses ALL the issues and is not afraid to speak on subjects that are not popular. What good is any political candidate, if they will only address the “safe issues.”

The Republicans have been taking on the chin lately. I don’t know if that is fair but I think some of the GOP Town Council members, were just too conservative in their thinking and some were just–well nevermind!! The Republicans will really have to work hard to overcome their stodgy image. That is why I became a Republican-to make the party more “with it” and liberal. Don’t these people recognize a gift when they see it?

As you know, the freeze starts as of Oct. 1 of this year based on last year and this is for one year only because the town government thought the state was going to have a program of its own.

In the recent edition of the local paper, each candidate for office in Cheshire is asked three questions. I know one of the questions was how the town could secure more revenue since apparently 70 percent comes from property taxes.

The Underground Town Hall hopes that every candidate for the Town Council will answer this question. My answer: tax Elim Park. Now Elim Park has skilled nursing and assisted living. The assisted living part should be taxed.

A few years ago when I spoke with the Town Manager (who will probably never speak to me again after the “mankini ad”) he told me if Elim Park were taxed the approximate revenue would be nearly $600,000.

Elim Park does donate over $100,000 (probably more) to our police and fire departments every year to show their “appreciation.” I have no problem with that donation as some people who run the town think, and I have posted the revenue from the Police Gift Account on this website.

The problem I have is that I believe as do many others, that this money should be given directly to the town and dispersed by the town. In fairness, (or ever since they knew I was watching and asking questions), the police and fire departments have to make a formal request to the Town Council whenever they want to spend this gift account money. I believe the taxing is a better option.

Now back to some other issues I addressed in recent posts–Jim Jaskot of the Finance Department did follow up on the ultra-violet filtering system being proposed for our Community Pool.

Jim told me that the ultra violet pool filtering system which is explained in detail in my earlier post,  “Following Up” would cut the use of chlorine in half saving nearly $30,000. He also explained that Yale University uses this system and that the ultra violet filtering option, which does kill e-coli, may become mandatory within a few years.

I am also happy to report that my daughter is receiving her wrap sandwiches from the Cheshire Food Services. Thanks to Ms. Diker.

Hopefully, I will be able to get a few minutes from each Town Council, Board of Education and Planning and Zoning candidates to run on my website. Oh no, now the “copiers” will also do this. I knew it. Come up with your own ideas will you–then again-you know you copy from the best!!!

To end, the Petit memorial is scheduled for Sept. 19th,at 7 p.m. at the High School football field. The event will take place indoors in the event of inclement weather.

 I have a video on the home page on how to prevent home invasions. I think it is  a good one. Please people-get a good lock-one that costs at least $150 to prevent “picking.” There is another way to defeat a lock using an ordinary key, but I will not elaborate.

All I can say is I had to resort to this method one day years ago when I accidentally got locked out of my house in winter when I was eight months pregnant. Ask the police department about this key method and how to prevent it from happening to you.

And, remember, be careful whom you hire to work on your home!!

 

 

Police Officer Charged

  • By: Cindy

According to media reports, Cheshire Police Officer Robert Regan, 37 has been charged with risk of injury to a minor and fourth degree sexual assault.

Apparently Officer Regan turned himself into Wolcott Police on August 29.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 19.

All I can say is let us not judge until all the facts come out.

Here is the link to the WFSB story:

http://www.wfsb.com/news/14109712/detail.html

Connecticut Law on 4th Degree Sexual Assault & Risk of Injury to a Minor:

§ 53a-73a. Sexual assault in the fourth degree: Class A misdemeanor

(a) A person is guilty of sexual assault in the fourth degree when: (1) Such person intentionally subjects another person to sexual contact who is (A) under fifteen years of age, or (B) mentally defective or mentally incapacitated to the extent that he is unable to consent to such sexual contact, or (C) physically helpless, or (D) less than eighteen years old and the actor is such person’s guardian or otherwise responsible for the general supervision of such person’s welfare, or (E) in custody of law or detained in a hospital or other institution and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary authority over such otherperson; or (2) such person subjects another person to sexual contact without such other person’s consent; or (3) such person engages in sexual contact with an animal or dead body; or (4) such person is a psychotherapist and subjects another person to sexual contact who is (A) a patient of the actor and the sexual contact occurs during the psychotherapy session, or (B) a patient or former patient of the actor and such patient or former patient is emotionally dependent upon the actor, or (C) a patient or former patient of the actor and the sexual contact occurs by means of therapeutic deception; or (5) such person subjects another person to sexual contact and accomplishes the sexual contact by means of false representation that the sexual contact is for a bona fide medical purpose by a health care professional; or (6) such person is a school employee and subjects another person to sexual contact who is a student enrolled in a school in which the actor works or a school under the jurisdiction of the local or regional board of education which employs the actor.

(b) Sexual assault in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor.

§ 53-21. Injury or risk of injury to, or impairing morals of, children

Any person who (1) wilfully or unlawfully causes or permits any child under the age of sixteen years to be placed in such a situation that the life or limb of such child is endangered, the health of such child is likely to be injured or the morals of such child are likely to be impaired, or does any act likely to impair the health or morals of any such child, or (2) has contact with the intimate parts, as defined in section 53a-65, of a child under the age of sixteen years or subjects a child under sixteen years of age to contact with the intimate parts of such person, in a sexual and indecent manner likely to impair the health or morals of such child, shall be guilty of a class C felony.

 

Following Up

  • By: Cindy

The other day I contacted the Finance Department to discuss a few issues and Jim Jaskot was nice enough to call me back. I will speak with him on Friday to follow up on the ultra-violet pool filtering idea for the Cheshire Community Pool. In the meantime, I found an interesting article about just how this feature works.

I asked Jim to contact the Milford Pool: if you remember on my old “Underground Town Hall” site, I talked about how Milford also had an inflatable roof but replaced it with a permanent structure after 15 years of use. I asked Jim to find out if Milford or any other town with a community pool for that matter is using or thinking about using this ultra-violet system.

I hope this idea works out because I believe Cheshire should be spending the money on other items, i.e. books for the high school.

Last year, my daughter did not have a book for her comp culture class, she had a photocopy. This year she is taking a health class, I don’t recall the exact name of the class but I know it is the one where she gets to take home the “baby” and gets graded on how she takes care of it. She doesn’t have a real book only a photocopy for that class either.

Now my husband has contacted the high school because there seems to be an issue with the lunches. Apparently, by the time my daughter arrives in the cafeteria, (she is in the third lunch wave) they have run out of certain food items– to be more specific—the wraps.

Now look Cheshire High School- get your **** together and start accommodating my daughter! !! If she wants a wrap and you have run out–call a deli and get her one!! Stop making excuses to her.

I guess the wraps are a popular item in school this year so hopefully the Board of Education will discuss this issue further.

We brought this issue up to Board of Education member Alan Sobol who is attentive and very concerned and dedicated to education. My husband supports him and so do I.

That is more than I can say about SOME OTHER PERSON on the Board of Education that needs to check his cave man attitudes about women at the door!!!

You all know I TOTALLY support education and I always will–all kidding aside here.

Now, as far as the Stop and Shop issue–I contacted the store manager John and he was very nice. He called me three times and left messages and we finally connected.

Now, I go to Stop and Shop in Cheshire every day. Sometimes more than once. My family eats a lot so I do a lot of food shopping. I like the Stop and Shop, but I feel the Cheshire store is a little too pricey so I inquired about this issue by first contacting the main office in Massachusetts. The gentleman who answered was very helpful-he listened and he followed up right away by having the Cheshire store manager contact me. I expressed my concerns about the pricing, because I had heard rumors over the years that Stop and Shop operated “A” and “B” stores; the “A” stores being more expensive than the so-called “B” stores.

The store manager told me this was not true. Everything is controlled through the corporate offices and that the prices are set based on “competition.” He even gave an example of several Wal-Mart stores that he had visited, stating that many of the same items he had purchased in those stores had different prices, again based on competition.

Every supermarket I am sure knows each others prices. They send their people into each others stores to scope everything out. Competition is fierce in the food industry-so, Cheshire is sort of at a disadvantage because we really do not have any competition.

The only other “supermarket” in Town is Everybody’s. I love Everybody’s market. Their food is always fresh and top notch but they are pricey.

I did express concern about restocking and circulating the supply because many times I have purchased spoiled items at Stop and Shop in Cheshire. I have been at the Southington store and have gotten out of date items, but it seems to be more prevalent in Cheshire. For example, a few days ago I purchased the yogurt. The expiration date was Oct. 15, but when my daughter opened the yogurt she had to eat because she could not get her wrap, it was spoiled.

To be honest and give the Cheshire store credit-I have seen a change for the better over the past several months. There are more items in the discount aisle which is good and more and more specials. Their seafood counter is excellent and I notice they are offering more and more pre-made foods to the customers.

I know one of the best Stop and Shops is in Stratford at the Dock Shopping Center. My mommy shops there and she says she has NEVER purchased any out of date or spoiled items and she has been shopping their over 20 years and believe me-you will never meet anyone who is pickier with food than she.

So hopefully we are on the right track in Cheshire-I know we are with John our store manager and his staff who do a great job. They all work hard. Remember, this is CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. I will continue to go to the Stop and Shop in Cheshire.

OK — here is the story on the Ultra-Violet pool filtering:

“UV offers a very economical and environmentally friendly water disinfection solutions for the following applications:

Swimming pools

Installation of UV water purifiers reduces the use of chlorine as primary disinfectant for swimming pools and ensures hygienically pure water, free of chemical residue and by-products.

Drinking water

UV water purification can reduce, and in some cases replace, chlorine as primary drinking water disinfectant. Water sterilized with UV meets microbiological requirements according to drinking water regulations. UV water purification applications range from municipal to domestic water supplies and Vending machines water. UV is also used for preventing bacterial growth in water collection systems applicable in domestic rainwater collection systems.

Process / ultra-pure water

Process water for medical, pharmaceutical industries and electronics and semiconductors – process water disinfection and TOC (Total Organic Carbon) reduction is a quality control measure for ultrapure water applications in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and electronics industries and hospitals requiring exacting pure water standards for clinical applications and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Warm water systems

UV water purification systems are also used for sterilizing water in air-conditioning systems and preventing infection due to microorganisms in air humidifying systems. UV is used for control of Legionella with applications in hospitals, office buildings and large residential buildings.

Fish Farming and Aquaculture

Aquariums, Zoos, Aquaculture and Fish farms, Ornamental Ponds and Koi Ponds to control algae – Fish Farming/Aquaculture industry, to protect fish larvae from disease in hatcheries, to disinfect incoming water to the site and effluent from the farms.

Beverage & Bottled Water

Ultraviolet equipment provides an economical means of water disinfection for beverage and bottled water manufacturing facilities.

Municipal wastewater

UV is installed for disinfecting biologically treated wastewater in final effluent channels before discharge to the environment. The UV treatment of wastewater for re-use ensures that treated water meets the USEPA, EU or other wastewater disinfection standards.

UV Water Purification Applications Details

Swimming Pools

Water disinfection is one of the key treatment steps for all types of swimming pools, either public or private. Efficient pool water disinfection is essential for public pools. In order to ensure safe bathing water, most public facilities must follow strict water disinfection standards and practices.

Chlorine is still the water disinfectant of choice for most public pool operators. However, there is a growing awareness of the negative effects caused by chlorine and its by-products. Chlorine not only reacts with the microorganisms in the water, but also with any type of organic material, thus forming problem by-products like Trihalomethanes and chloramines.

Trihalomethanes (THMs) – Within this group mainly chloroform is formed by the reaction between the disinfectant and organic compounds. THMs can be found in the pool water and in the air above the water. Swimmers are therefore exposed by absorption through the skin, by swallowing, and by inhalation. THMs are suspected to be carcinogenic and asthma causing, as stated by researchers from Belgium (BBC News, May 28, 2003).

Chloramines – Chloramines appear in swimming pools as a result of the reaction between ammonia compounds and chlorine-based disinfectants. Depending on the stage of chemical reaction, they can be in the form of mono-chloramines, di-chloramines, or tri-chloramines. Chloramines are responsible for the so-called “chlorine smell”, eye and skin irritations. High levels of chloramines also cause corrosion issues inside the pool enclosure.

UV water purification systems for commercial and municipal pools

Ultraviolet treatment of pool water photo-oxidizes and destroys combined chlorine and other pollutants, giving major improvements to pool environment and water quality, with significantly lower levels of chlorine. UV also provides non-chemical disinfection, giving effective primary control over waterborne bacteria, benefiting commercial and municipal pools.

Spa and hot tube establishments present difficult disinfection problems due to the high bather load and temperature. American Air & Water provides fitting UV water purifiers for spas and hot tubs, including large UV units. The spa and hot tube UV water purification systems bring a dramatic improvement in water quality.

Until recently public pool operators have had little choice but to use chlorine disinfection systems, sometimes together with an ozone oxidation process. The UV water purification systems have proved that ultraviolet treatment with low levels of free chlorine has major benefits over any of these traditional methods.

The greatest benefit of UV treatment is that short-wave ultraviolet light has a photo-oxidation effect that destroys chloramines and other toxic by-products of chlorine. This is done without adding any further chemicals to the water. Much less chlorine needs to be used to provide bacterial control, so water quality and atmospheric conditions are considerably improved.

The primary UV disinfection process destroys all bacteria passing through the water treatment plant. In particular, and unlike ozone systems, this protects bathers against bacteria in the water filter media re-entering the pool.

Ultraviolet Water Purification Versus Other Systems

Additionally, the combination of chlorine, chloramines and ozone in the indoor air can be very corrosive to equipment and buildings. UV water treatment replaces ozone and controls chloramines levels, so building maintenance expenditure is reduced.

With these advantages there are no reasons for swimmers and staff to endure an unpleasant pool environment. UV water purification systems, manufactured by WEDECO, are successfully installed and are showing chlorine reduction rates of up to 90%, at the same time controlling free chlorine levels in water to less than 1.0 ppm.

Water quality and atmospheric conditions are considerably improved, operating costs are cut and pool attendance and revenue is increased.

UV Water Purifiers for Private Swimming Pools and Spas

UV water disinfection of private pools and spas is a chemical-free method of killing microorganisms by shortwave ultraviolet light. To ensure a safe and pleasant pool environment without using strong disinfection chemicals, ultraviolet water purification destroys organic pollutants instantly as the water passes through the treatment chamber. The ultraviolet sterilization systems for private pools are particularly suitable for users who are sensitive to the usual swimming pool disinfectants, heavy metals from ionic purifiers or allergic to chlorine.

UV water purification advantages:

  • More pleasant bathing in a very low chemical environment
  • Dramatically reduced chemical dosing (50% or more) and chemical costs
  • Possibility of zero-chlorine bathing, using peroxide disinfectants
  • Unrivalled protection against contamination in swimming pool filter media
  • Safety-net protection against loss of chemical dosing – real life tests with no dosing for a month proved the pool water still stayed fresh
  • Instantaneous water disinfection at every pass
  • Very low power consumption
  • Economical swimming pool treatment – low purchase and running costs

Contact American Air & Water for details of how we can help you to simplify pool maintenance, minimize chemical usage and save your money.

UV Drinking Water Treatment – Municipal Drinking Water

From small household disinfection systems to large municipal systems, American Air & Water offers a wide range of UV drinking water disinfection systems manufactured by WEDECO Ultraviolet Technologies.

Drinking water disinfection is one of the most important segments for ultraviolet disinfection. In addition to centralized drinking water UV treatment plants, which are typically managed by local municipal agencies, decentralized drinking water disinfection plays an increasing role in regions which are difficult to access and where extensive water distribution networks are cost-prohibitive. Moreover, drinking water on ships and trains is also disinfected using ultraviolet light.

Ultrapure Water UV Treatment for Medical, Pharmaceutical and Electronics Industries

Pharmaceutical water systems fall into two classifications defined as purified water and water for injection. While the water for injection system is more stringent and specific for design, operation, and maintenance, both must meet guidelines established by the United States Pharmacopoeia XXII monograph. For the medical device industry, purified water quality is normally required. Personal Care Product manufacturing uses similar pure water production practices to produce cosmetics, toiletries and other health and hygiene products.

A wide variety of feed water is used to produce this high purity water. Possible water sources include surface, well, municipal potable water or a blend of these sources. The water purification system design as well as the equipment type and size is determined by the feed water quality. Water “contaminants” such as dissolved organic and inorganic compounds, suspended solid particulates and microorganisms must be removed in pure water treatment systems.

Ultraviolet light is used extensively in purified water and water for injection water systems to prevent microbiological contamination and growth. UV is also used for residual ozone destruction in pure water loops where ozone is employed as a “system sanitizer” to purify pipe and tank surfaces.

An important area of use of ultraviolet technology is in the production of purified water for Semiconductors. Hydrocarbon compounds (TOC) in water can be reduced by a combination of using ultraviolet light with a 185 nm wavelength and other processes. This particularly high degree of purity is essential in the electronics industry and specifically manufacturing of semiconductors.

Warm water systems

UV water purification systems are also used for sterilizing water in air-conditioning systems and preventing infection due to microorganisms in air humidifying systems. UV is used for control of Legionella with applications in hospitals, office buildings and large residential buildings.

Legionellosis, commonly referred to as Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by legionnella and can be lethal, particularly with the elderly and with people whose immune system is impaired. It is transmitted by inhaling the legionella existing in droplets of water. Legionella reproduce particularly well in the luke-warm water (30-45°C) of stale circulation pipes of hotels, public swimming pools, schools or residential buildings or in humidifiers of air-conditioners.

If these water reserves are not used or exchanged on a daily basis this strongly encourages reproduction of the bacteria. When water is extracted, e.g. during a shower, use of a humidifier, the legionella reach the human respiratory tract via inhaled aerosols. In the lungs the bacteria then reproduce in the monocytes.

However, acute disease only manifests if a larger number of pathogens is inhaled or if the host has an impaired immune system. There are no statutory limits for contamination with legionella, however, a load of 20 CFU/ml, i.e. 20 colony-forming units per milliliter is considered to be critical. From 100 CFU/ml, for example, public baths are closed down. With regard to the hygienically permitted dose, legionella are to a large extent also immune against chemical disinfectants, e.g. chlorine.

A warm water UV disinfection system is installed directly behind the boiler which continuously disinfects the water in the circulation pipes, thus providing guaranteed protection from re-infestation with pathogens.

UV reactors can be integrated in all water pipes and therefore represent effective protection against re-infestation of a system.

Air-conditioners which work with spray evaporators to humidify the air also represent an excellent breeding ground for legionella. For these systems as well, physical UV disinfection of the stored water offers safe protection from re-infestation even outside of operating times.

UV Water Purification for Aquariums, Zoos, Aquaculture and Fish Farms

The popularity of aquariums and zoos has grown to an all time high over the last 20 years. But bringing aquatic life to a man-made environment has proven to be a difficult scientific task.

Hundreds of theme parks and zoos throughout North America showcase whales, dolphins, seals and other mammals as well as practically every fish known to man-kind. To create habitats for these species, large fresh or salt-water ecosystems must be constructed. These “life support systems”, comprised of millions of gallons of man-made “water”, must be continuously treated and monitored to ensure the life, health and comfort of the sea creatures.

The earth’s ecosystem possesses its own cleansing cycle, maintaining a natural balance in which all creatures can live in their natural habitat. A man-made habitat is almost a closed ecosystem where the scale is tiny in comparison to the earth. As a result, the pollutant load associated with animal waste, food degradation, and natural contamination is relatively high. Therefore, the water must be continuously treated in order to eliminate organic pollutants as well as harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. The water must also be monitored to ensure that the chemical balance, pH, and temperature levels remain stable and appropriate for the specific inhabitants of the ecosystem.

The aquaculture and fish farming industry is very similar to the aquarium and zoo segment. Ultraviolet has two primary uses in the aquaculture industry: disinfection of water supplies and ozone destruction.

UV Water Disinfection: Surface water used at fish culture facilities has certain risks of contamination from waterborne pathogens. In some instances, dramatic effects caused by newly introduced pathogens into the production water will cause complete shutdown of a facility, eradication of its stock, and/or contamination of the holding tanks.

UV For Ozone Destruction: In addition to UV, ozone can be used for disinfection in fish culture facilities as well. When ozone is selected as the primary disinfection mechanism, an ultraviolet system should be used as a destruct device for residual ozone levels in the water. The UV system also provides back-up disinfection for the overall treatment process.


Beverage & Bottled Water

Ultraviolet equipment provides an economical means of water disinfection for beverage and bottled water manufacturing facilities. There are three primary types of applications for UV systems.

The first application provides disinfection from the feed water source to the storage tank. The water can be re-circulated from the storage tank back through the UV equipment in order to maintain bacteria reduction.

The second application involves disinfection of the facilities bulk tanker water supplies. Water flows from the tanker through the ultraviolet unit prior to entering the storage tank.

The third application is for ozone destruction as the water leaves the storage tank for the bottling lines. This method also provides the added benefit of secondary water disinfection after the ozone system.

Municipal Wastewater

Of all the markets for ultraviolet processes, municipal wastewater disinfection is the largest and fastest growing segment. In order to protect public health and the environment it is imperative to disinfect sewage effluent after traditional biological purification. Wastewater is treated at central treatment plants and discharged into rivers, lakes, streams or oceans at one or only a few discharge points. The result is a disproportionate burden on the receiving waters flora and fauna, especially fish and shellfish beds. Undisinfected effluent can result in reduced, eliminated or contaminated fauna populations. It can also endanger human health through direct contact activities such as swimming or water sports and indirectly through the disruption of the ecosystem.

Previously, chlorine disinfection was the preferred method for protecting the public health. Unfortunately, this does not protect the ecosystem due to the harmful addition of chlorine to the environment and the generation of byproducts as the chlorine reacts with wastewater constituents. UV, on the other hand, inactivates potentially harmful microorganisms without adding any chemicals to the wastewater (and therefore the environment). Driving the growth of this market is the addition of UV to previously undisinfected sewage effluents as well as the conversion of chlorine disinfection facilities to the safer and environmentally friendly UV alternative.”