Copper and Silver Ionisation
Copper and silver ionisation is a method to tackle biofilm and Legionella problems in drinking water installations once and for all. This unique control technology can be used at priority locations, such as hospitals, care institutions, hotels, swimming pools, and saunas.
Once and for all a safe water installation
At the beginning of this century, Holland Water introduced the copper and silver ionisation method to the Netherlands. Founder of Holland Water Leo de Zeeuw and technical mastermind Wiebe Pool then came up with a brilliant idea for the precise dosing of copper and silver ions. This idea was so innovative and effective that it has since been patented. Thus, more than 20 years ago, a revolutionary new application of the method was born to control legionella in water installations: the HW Bifipro® for drinking water installations and the HW Bifipro® Cool for cooling water systems.
Copper and silver ionisation is effective against biofilm, legionella, and other bacteria, and provides continuous protection. It is a sustainable and cost-efficient solution, unlike the use of environmentally harmful chemicals.
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Copper and silver ionisation technology
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Kills Legionella bacteria and removes biofilm
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Harmless to humans, animals, and the environment
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Compliant with strict (drinking) water regulations incl. BRL K14010/02
Water technology
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- Unique, patented management technique | Ctgb approval until 2033
- User-friendly and reliable | up to 10 years warranty
- Digital monitoring of system, water flow and consumption | HW Monitor
- Fixed maintenance and consumption price per quarter
Copper
In particular, the accumulated copper ions ensure that the biofilm (the main breeding ground for Legionella bacteria and the source of large-scale colonization) is deactivated and eroded over time. Copper thus determines the ultimate effectiveness of the biocide and long-term Legionella control.
Silver
The silver ions mainly contribute in the initial stage by directly killing free-moving Legionella bacteria. Here, the symbiotic effect between copper and silver also plays an important role.
Certainly. Ultrafiltration and copper and silver ionisation complement each other in delivering consistently clean and safe water. Ultrafiltration removes bacteria and particles directly from the incoming water, creating a clean starting point.
Copper and silver ionisation then works throughout the installation itself, where copper ions gradually break down biofilm and silver ions immediately neutralise free-floating bacteria.
By first reducing the microbiological load with ultrafiltration, the copper and silver ions can operate even more effectively within the system. This results in more stable water quality and a more sustainable control of microbiological risks.
The effectiveness of copper and silver ionisation depends on the overall approach to legionella control within the water installation. It is a continuous process in which maintenance, monitoring and control measures must be carefully aligned within an integrated plan.
Factors such as system maintenance, thermal control and flushing regimes have a direct impact on the performance of copper and silver ionisation. When combined with ultrafiltration, water quality can be further improved, allowing the system to operate more effectively.
The Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) has extended the authorisation of the HW Bifipro biocide until 1 July 2033. The HW Bifipro biocide (authorisation number 13293N) is the consumable – in the form of electrodes – used by the copper and silver ionisation system HW Bifipro®.
Questions about copper and silver ionisation?
You can find the answers to frequently asked questions about copper and silver ionisation here. Is your question not listed? Then please contact us.
Electrochemical management
Electrochemical management can be applied in drinking water installations to kill Legionella bacteria. There are 2 approved methods:
- Copper and silver ionisation
- Anodic oxidation
The HW Bifipro® operates on the basis of copper and silver ionisation, and the technique is approved by the Ctgb and certified according to BRL K14010/02. Application of this technique is only permitted in priority institutions, as mentioned in Article 35 of the Drinking Water Decree.
Written justification
When electrochemical management is applied, a BRL 6010 certified consultancy must provide a written, substantiated opinion stating that other management methods are not effective. It is not necessary to request permission from the ILT for the installation of this equipment, but the installation must be reported. The owner of the installation must have a monitoring program carried out, as specified in the Drinking Water Regulation, to ensure that the levels of legionella, copper, silver, and oxidizing substances comply with the standards.
More legionella control?
We're happy to listen to your story
Let's schedule an appointment to discuss your water management challenges and explore together whether Holland Water can be of value to you.
Holland Water B.V.
Wiekenweg 35 A
3815 KL Amersfoort
The Netherlands
Holland Water B.V.
Stikkenweg 48
7021 BN Zelhem
The Netherlands
HW Belgium B.V.
Ringlaan 17/A
2960 Brecht
Belgium
