Clean Drinking Water & Advanced Treatment Solutions
Introduction to Human Consumption
Drinking water, often referred to as potable water, is fundamental to human consumption and to public health. The quality of drinking water directly affects individuals’ and entire communities’ well-being, making it essential that everyone has access to clean, safe water. Universal and equitable access to affordable drinking water is recognised as a fundamental human right by the United Nations, underscoring its importance for human health and societal development.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights that maintaining high drinking water quality is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases and supporting overall well-being. In many regions, tap water is regulated under strict standards, such as the European Union’s Drinking Water Directive, which ensures that water intended for human consumption meets rigorous safety and quality requirements. Achieving equitable access to clean drinking water is not only a matter of health protection but also a key driver for sustainable development and improved quality of life.
Why Cleaning Drinking Water is Essential
Cleaning drinking water is essential to ensure human health, prevent waterborne diseases, and support overall well-being and economic stability. Access to clean drinking water is crucial because contaminated water can harbour harmful pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These contaminants can lead to serious health issues such as cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A
Global Impact: According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), waterborne diseases cause over 500,000 deaths from diarrhoea alone every year, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in developing countries.
Diarrheal diseases are a significant health burden linked to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation, contributing significantly to global mortality and disability.
Contaminated water, also known as dirty water, plays a significant role in the spread of waterborne and other diseases due to the presence of pathogens and pollutants.
The absence of clean water not only impacts health but also hinders economic development. Unsafe drinking water is a significant cause of illness and death, especially among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Time spent collecting water from unsafe sources can detract from education and income-generating activities, perpetuating cycles of poverty. Moreover, industries that rely on clean water, such as agriculture and manufacturing, can suffer from reduced productivity due to water scarcity and pollution. Safe water is also essential for domestic use and food preparation, ensuring household health and food safety.
Water Treatment & Global Goals
Water treatment processes are vital for removing contaminants and making water safe for consumption. Without effective treatment, water sources can become contaminated by agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and inadequate sanitation, leading to widespread health crises. Unprotected wells and priority chemical contamination are significant sources of unsafe water, increasing the risk of exposure to harmful substances. Washing hands with safe water is also critical to prevent disease transmission.
Despite progress, over 2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water. This underscores the ongoing need to invest in water infrastructure and sanitation systems to ensure everyone has access to clean water. Improved sanitation, proper sanitation facilities, and effective management of human excreta are essential to prevent contamination of water sources and reduce the spread of waterborne diseases. The United Nations emphasises that improving access to clean water is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and enhancing public health globally. Reliable drinking water services and access to water are fundamental to supporting healthy communities.
Clean drinking water is not just a matter of convenience; it is a fundamental necessity for health, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. Access to clean water is crucial for preventing disease, supporting livelihoods, and fostering healthy communities. Basic sanitation and comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene measures are vital for achieving better health outcomes and reducing the burden of water-related diseases.
Strategic Partnership
786 has partnered with SPT and is the sole appointed distributor for Africa of Stable Active Halogen Technology (SAHT).
SPT has the world’s only scalable, proprietary manufacturing process producing high-purity, stable HOCl in commercially viable volumes. Production comprises >90% HOCl at 99% purity, with concentrations ranging from 50 ppm to 32,000 ppm and a proven shelf-life of over 18 months. This product is the best option for producing clean, contaminant-free water.
- Microbiological Parameters
Microbiological parameters are a vital component of drinking water quality, as they help identify harmful microorganisms that can pose significant risks to human health. Contaminants such as faecal coliforms, E. coli, and other pathogens can lead to serious waterborne diseases, including typhoid fever, cholera, and diarrhoea.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has established guidelines for monitoring microbiological parameters in drinking water, emphasising the need to detect viruses, bacteria, and protozoan parasites that pose a threat to public health. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets stringent standards for these parameters, requiring water suppliers to regularly test and ensure the safety of the water they provide. Consistent monitoring and management of microbiological parameters are essential to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases and to safeguard the health of communities relying on clean drinking water.
- Drinking Water Standards
Drinking water standards are established to guarantee that water intended for human consumption is safe and of high quality. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides comprehensive guidelines for drinking water quality, which serve as a foundation for countries to develop their own standards tailored to local needs and conditions.
In the European Union, the Drinking Water Directive sets strict requirements for tap water, ensuring that it is free from harmful contaminants and safe for daily use. Similarly, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces the Safe Drinking Water Act, regulating the levels of various substances in drinking water to protect human health. These standards are crucial for preventing waterborne diseases and ensuring everyone has access to clean drinking water, underscoring the importance of safe drinking water for public health.
Management & Community Action
Water Supply Management
Effective water supply management is essential for delivering safe and clean drinking water to communities. This process involves careful oversight of water sources, comprehensive treatment procedures, and ongoing monitoring of water quality.
The WHO advocates implementing water safety plans to identify and control risks throughout the water supply chain. By prioritising the management of water supply systems and promoting best practices, communities can reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
Community-Based Initiatives
Community-based initiatives play a pivotal role in expanding access to safe, clean drinking water, especially in areas with limited resources. These efforts often involve protecting local water sources and empowering communities to manage their own systems.
The United Nations recognises that achieving universal access depends on the success of such grassroots initiatives. Community-based programs contribute to better health, improved well-being, and greater resilience to water-related diseases.
Disadvantages of Traditional Infection Control Products (ICPs)
Health Risks
Many traditional ICP’S contain harsh chemicals that pose health risks to users. Products containing bleach or quaternary ammonium compounds can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other adverse health effects with prolonged exposure. Alcohol sanitisers are also potentially flammable and toxic if ingested.
Environmental Impact
Some ICP’S can be harmful to the environment. Chemicals like chlorine can produce toxic byproducts, while others may contribute to water pollution. The overuse of certain IC products can also lead to resistance among micro-organisms.
Rinsing Requirements
Many ICP’S leave behind residues that may require rinsing, especially on food contact surfaces. This can complicate the cleaning process and potentially lead to contamination if not properly rinsed.
Biofilm Resistance
While many ICP’S are effective against pathogens in suspension, they may struggle to penetrate and eliminate biofilms—complex communities of micro-organisms that adhere to surfaces. This is a significant issue in many healthcare and industrial settings.
Surface Compatibility
ICP’S can damage certain surfaces, particularly if they are used incorrectly or at higher concentrations than recommended. For example, acidic disinfectants may corrode metals, while harsh chemicals can degrade plastics.
Cost
Many effective ICP’S, especially those designed for commercial or healthcare use, can be expensive. This may limit their accessibility for smaller facilities or organizations.
Need for Proper Application
IC often depends on proper application methods, including appropriate contact time and surface preparation. Inadequate application can result in suboptimal disinfection.
Stable Active Halogen Technology (SAHT)
SAHT is the world’s only scalable proprietary manufacturing process capable of producing high purity, stable Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) (liquid and gel) across a broad pH band width, in commercially viable volumes. SAHT solutions are the world’s first hypochlorous acid at a purity level exceeding 95%. This innovation sets a new standard in cleaning efficacy and safety.
The 786 SAHT technology manufacturing process optimises the predominance of the hypochlorous molecule in solution >95% at any concentration manufactured up to 32,000 parts per million (ppm). The Know How behind the production of the SAHT HOCl ensures that the pH band width of the 786 SAHT technology ranges from pH 2.8 all the way through to pH 10.1 without compromising the chemistry or through the addition of buffers. The benefits of this pH band width are considerable and have not been replicated by any other manufacturer of HOCl in the world.
Throughout the bandwidth the technology remains >95% HOCl. This unique trait means that there are none of the drawbacks of narrow conventional pH band widths associated with other HOCl chemistries where the higher the concentration the lower the pH and vice versa with lower concentrations. Conventional chemistry wisdom asserts that the dynamic equilibrium of HOCl peaks at pH 5.8 but the 786 SAHT technology has proved this is not the case and that dynamic equilibrium can be attained and more importantly maintained for over 24 months plus, by any 786 SAHT concentration, between 2.8 pH and 10.1 pH and remain >95% HOCl.
Hypochlorous acid(HOCl)
Hypochlorous acid(HOCl) is a weak but strongly oxidising acid (pH 4-5) with exceptional antimicrobial properties, which when combined with its non-toxicity characteristics makes it the ideal wound care, hand sanitiser and high-level disinfectant solution. HOCl is produced by white blood cells and is a natural part of the human body’s internal defence system. A high purity, stable solution of HOCl is a powerful biocide that:
- kills all pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi;
- is non-hazardous for use on humans and animals;
- is safe and kind to the environment;
- is a highly efficacious and effective topical wound care solution;
- will not irritate or aggravate tissue damage at wound sites; and
- demonstrates no microbial resistance
HOCl is FDA and EPA registered and approved by regulatory authorities around the world as being effective against Covid-19. HOCl is a superior, safer, and more effective alternative to alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
"HOCl is widely acknowledged to be the future and gold standard in advanced wound care and diabetic ulcer treatment."
786 SAHT – A New Dimension in Infection Control
Performance Profile
- 786 SAHT sets completely new standards in infection control
- Rapidly kills all known pathogens
- Kill time < 15 seconds
- No pathogen can become immune
- Destroys RNA and DNA & disrupts cellular processes
- Excellent safety profile/no alcoho
786 SAHT Chemistry
- Chemically manufactured – in bulk and cost effective
- >95% pure hypochlorous – ‘Stable Active Halogen Solution’
- Stable across a pH range of between 2.8 – 10.1 pH
- Concentration constant across pH band unlike electrochemically produced HOCI
- Strengths from 2ppm to 32000ppm
- >24 month Stability proven by UV-visible spectroscopy analysis
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