What Is The Health Effect Of Ozone In Drinking Water?

You might be drinking water containing ozone if you are on a city water system or you drink bottled water. Ozonation, or the process of treating water using ozone, is a common practice in municipal water treatment facilities. It is also used in food processing, according to the Ohio State University Extension office.

Function

Ozone is another form of oxygen that is created naturally in the atmosphere through a chemical reaction with ultraviolet radiation. Ozonation replicates this process to create ozone using electricity. It is then forced into untreated water. Gas or liquid forms are applied on produce and food industry equipment.

Benefits

The primary benefit of ozone in drinking water is that it is an effective way to remove disease-causing bacteria. It can also destroy viruses and parasites such as giardia. Water filters are not fine enough to remove these micro-organisms. Ozone treatment is one step in the process of creating safer drinking water. It can also break down other organic compounds that can cause anything from stomach upset to neurological damage. It leaves no lingering taste or odor, making it a better solution than other processes such as chlorination. A 2003 study in the journal Water Research found that ozonation can remove pharmaceuticals present in drinking water.

Risks

Drinking ozone-treated water is not without its risks. The process of ozonation creates several byproducts, including bromate. Bromate forms when ozone reacts with bromide present naturally in water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, bromate can increase your risk for developing cancer. As far as drinking water is concerned, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared ozone-treated water as Generally Recognized As Safe.

Regulation

Because of its health risks, the EPA regulates the amount of bromate in drinking water supplies. The agency determined a maximum contaminant level for bromate and other contaminants to ensure that there is no anticipated health risk. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also regulates ozone exposure at the factory end with limits on the concentration of airborne ozone created from ozonation for drinking water treatment and food processing.

Considerations

While it might be safe, refrain from drinking ozone-treated water if you are pregnant or nursing because of bromate exposure, recommends the New York Department of Health. Likewise, if you experience gastrointestinal discomfort, you might want to consider another water source such as distilled water.