FAQ

Have questions about water treatment, wastewater, dewatering or Legionella? Read through our commonly asked questions here, and if you don’t find your answer, send us your question and we’ll be happy to provide you with an answer.

At ChemREADY, we’re happy to connect you to specialists so that they can answer any questions you may have and find the best treatment options for you.

Getting Started

Why Do I Need Water Treatment?

Water Treatment reduces the risk of corrosion and poor maintenance to avoid the consequences of damaged water treatment systems. Talk to our experts at ChemREADY to ask us about risk assessments for your facility and available products suited and scaled for your water systems…Read More

Read our Water Treatment Buyer’s Guide.

Learn more about our water treatment products here.

Are Your Cooling Towers Wasting Money?

The cooling tower, or evaporative condenser, is the most important component of your water system but also, potentially, a revenue buster. We have six tips to help prevent profits from evaporating unchecked into the atmosphere by maximizing cooling tower performance and efficiencies—and potentially tapping into a little-known rebate…Read More

Read our Water Treatment Buyer’s Guide.

Learn more about our cooling tower products here.

Have a question you don’t see here? Send it to us!

What Should I Use To Treat My Boiler Water System?

Boilers rely on consistent water treatment to stay operational and keep downtime to a minimum and make sure that your business stays profitable.  The use of water treatment with your boiler prevents corrosion, scale buildup, and other forms of damage that can reduce the efficiency and lifespan of your equipment. Water treatment can also improve the quality of steam and reduce the risk of equipment failure and downtime…Read More

Read our Water Treatment Buyer’s Guide.

Learn more about our boiler water treatment products here.

What Chemicals Should I Use For pH Adjustments In My Wastewater?

Sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide (caustic) are most commonly used for neutralizing acids or bases. Caution must be used for pH adjust applications as an exothermic reaction will occur generating heat. The more severe the application the more heat generated. For example; pH adjusting tap water will create very little heat and is a non-issue. Neutralizing solutions with a high percentage acidic or bases can generate significant heat and therefore must be considered in design and materials. Use caution when doing any pH adjustment…Read More

Read our Wastewater Treatment Buyer’s Guide.

Check out our other pH products here.

 

Types of Water Treatment Solutions

What Should I Do When I Start My Cooling Tower Up For The Season?

Cooling towers are an essential part of many HVAC systems, but they can also be a source of problems if they are not properly maintained. One of the most important things to do when starting up a cooling tower for the season is to perform a thorough inspection and cleaning…Read More.

Learn more about our cooling tower treatment here.

Watch our video on Cooling Tower Equipment here.

What Are Tannins? Why Should I Use Them In My Steam Boilers?

Tannins are a group of natural compounds that are found in many plants, including trees, bark, and leaves. They are known for their astringent properties, which means they can shrink or dry tissues…Read More.

Learn more about our wastewater treatment here.

What Is Digital Water Treatment?

Digital water treatment is the use of digital technologies to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of water treatment processes. These technologies can be used to monitor water quality, optimize treatment processes, and manage water resources…Read More.

What Is Magnetite And How Do I Remove It From Water?

Magnetite is a black iron oxide mineral that is naturally magnetic. It is the most magnetic of all naturally occurring minerals, and it is used in a variety of applications, including magnets, jewelry, and water treatment…Read More.

Learn more about our magnetite treatment products here.

What Is Flocculation

Flocculation is a process in which small particles in a liquid clump together to form larger particles, or flocs. This can be done by adding a flocculant, which is a substance that helps to destabilize the particles and make them more likely to clump together….Read More.

Learn more about our Flocculation and Coagulation products here.

What are Corrosion Inhibitors in Water Treatment

Corrosion is the gradual destruction of a metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment. In water treatment, corrosion can be a major problem, as it can damage pipes, valves, and other equipment…Read More.

How To Prevent Legionella Contamination?

There are several ways to prevent the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria in water systems, with the best, proactive approach including a water management plan…Learn More.

Read our Legionella Buyer’s Guide.

If you’re in need of Legionella products check out our page here.

5 Ways to Control & Prevent Legionella in a Cooling Tower

Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection. Cooling towers are a common source of Legionella, as the warm, moist environment in cooling towers provides an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria.

If you’re in need of Legionella products check out our page here.

Proper Boiler Maintenance and Boiler Water Treatment Chemicals

Boiler maintenance is essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your boiler system. A well-maintained boiler will last longer and require less repairs. It will also produce steam that is cleaner and safer to use…Read More.

Learn more about proper boiler maintenance and treatment here.

What are Defoamers and How Do They Work?

Defoamers are chemical additives that are used to control or eliminate foam in industrial processes. Foam is a dispersion of gas bubbles in a liquid, and it can be a problem in a variety of industries, including…Read More.

Learn more about our defoamer wastewater products here.

What Are Tagged Polymers In Water Treatment?

Fluorescence is a valuable tool in detecting tagged polymers in cooling tower water treatment. The method is rapid, non-destructive, easy to use, and cost-effective, making it a useful tool for monitoring the concentration of tagged polymers to maintain water quality and prevent the growth of microorganisms and corrosion…Read More.

Learn more about our cooling tower treatment and digital water treatment we provide to meet your needs.

How Do I Remove Foam From My Wastewater?

Foam in wastewater can be a nuisance and a health hazard. It can also be a sign of a problem with the wastewater treatment system. There are a number of ways to remove foam from wastewater, depending on the cause of the problem…Read More.

Learn more about our foam treatment products here.

How Can Businesses Implement Effective Legionella Risk Management

Legionella is a bacteria that can cause a serious lung infection called Legionnaires’ disease. It is found naturally in water, but can grow and spread in warm, stagnant water systems. Businesses that have water systems, such as hotels, hospitals, and office buildings, are at risk of Legionella contamination…Read More.

Learn more about our Legionella services here.

What Are The Risks Of Legionella In Cooling Tower Water?

Legionella is a bacteria that can cause a serious lung infection called Legionnaires’ disease. It is found in warm water, such as in hot water tanks, cooling towers, and spas. Legionella can grow and multiply in these environments, especially if the water is not properly treated…Read More.

Learn more about our Cooling Tower Treatment here.

What Are The New Advancements In Legionella Treatment Technologies?

Legionella is a bacteria that can cause a serious lung infection called Legionnaires’ disease. It is found in warm water, such as in hot water tanks, cooling towers, and spas. Legionella can grow and multiply in these environments, especially if the water is not properly treated. There are a number of different methods used to treat Legionella, including chemical treatments, physical treatments, and a combination of both…Read More.

Learn more about our  Legionella technology here.

What Do Cooling Tower Water Treatment Companies Provide?

Cooling towers are used to cool water for a variety of industrial and commercial applications. The water in cooling towers can become contaminated with minerals, bacteria, and algae, which can lead to scaling, corrosion, and the growth of Legionella bacteria. Cooling tower water treatment companies offer a variety of services to help prevent these problems…Read More.

Learn more about our Cooling Tower Water Treatment here.

Industrial Effluent Treatment in Wastewater

Industrial effluent is wastewater that is produced by industries as an undesirable by-product. It can contain a variety of pollutants, including organic matter, inorganic compounds, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals. Industrial effluent treatment is important to protect the environment and public health…Read More

Learn more about our Wastewater Treatment services here.

Wastewater Odor Control for Treatment Plants

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) produce a variety of odors, including hydrogen sulfide (H2S), mercaptans, ammonia, and amines. These odors can be unpleasant and even harmful to human health. Wastewater odor control is important to protect public health and the environment…Read More.

Learn more about our Odor Control Treatment here.

The Most Effective Treatment for Legionella in Cooling Tower Water

Cooling towers are one of the most common places where Legionella can grow, as they provide the warm, moist environment that the bacteria needs to thrive. There are a number of different treatments that can be used to control Legionella in cooling tower water…Read More.

Learn more about out Legionella Treatment for Cooling Towers here.

What Are The Most Common Chemicals In Wastewater?

Wastewater is the water that has been used in homes and businesses, and it contains a wide range of pollutants, including chemicals. The most common chemicals in wastewater include…Read More.

Learn more about our Wastewater chemicals here.

Elevating Cooling Tower Performance: A Guide to Superior Water Treatment Systems

As a water treater entrusted with ensuring the efficiency and reliability of cooling towers, it is paramount to navigate the intricacies of water treatment systems. Cooling towers, vital components in industrial and commercial HVAC setups, excel at heat rejection, but the perpetual recirculation of water within them poses challenges such as impurity accumulation, corrosion, and microbial growth…Read More

Ensuring Boiler Efficiency: Choosing the Right Water Treatment Process

Boilers, the heart of power plants and industrial settings, rely on high-quality feedwater to maintain efficiency and prevent damage. Selecting the most appropriate water treatment process is crucial to ensure the removal of impurities and harmful substances that can impair boiler performance…Read More

Navigating Legionella Sample Results: A Crucial Step in Disease Prevention

Legionella sample results, ranging from “non-detectable” to “high,” play a pivotal role in gauging the extent of Legionella growth, a key factor in the chain leading to Legionnaires’ disease. The ultimate objective is to curtail the potential for bacterial amplification. While achieving 100% non-detectable samples may not be imperative, understanding and interpreting these levels are paramount…Read More

Illuminating Water Treatment: The Role of Fluorescence in Tagged Polymers for Cooling Towers

In the vast realm of water treatment for cooling towers, Tagged Polymers emerge as innovative warriors against scale, fouling, and inefficiencies. In this exploration, we delve into the science behind Tagged Polymers and unravel why fluorescence takes center stage in their detection…Read More

Taming the Muck: Your Guide to Sludge Water Treatment

Sludge is a semi-solid mix of organic and inorganic materials that settles during water treatment. While not harmful initially, untreated sludge can harbor pathogens, pollute waterways, and create unpleasant odors. It’s made up of everything from dead microorganisms and discarded food particles to bits of paper and chemicals…Read More

Guarding the Gate: Wastewater Pretreatment Explained

Wastewater pretreatment is a crucial step that industries take to remove harmful pollutants from their wastewater before it reaches municipal treatment plants…Read More

Taming the Tiny Terror: A Comprehensive Guide to Legionella Control in Water Systems

Legionella, a menacing bacterium lurking in water systems, poses a genuine threat, leading to severe lung infections like Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. While Legionella exists naturally in freshwater environments, its proliferation in man-made water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and plumbing can result in health hazards…Read More

Understanding AAMI ST108:2023: Essential Guide to New Water Quality Standards in Healthcare

Water is essential in healthcare settings, not just for basic hygiene but also for complex medical procedures and device processing. Recognizing its critical role, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has introduced ST108. This standard evolves from its predecessor, AAMI TIR34. This new standard marks a significant advancement in defining water quality parameters, underscoring the integral link between water quality and patient safety…Read More

The Vital Stages of Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Industrial processes generate a unique blend of wastewater requiring specialized treatment before being safely released or reused. These systems rely on a multi-stage approach to effectively remove contaminants, often exceeding the standards for domestic wastewater treatment…Read More

Guardians of Metal: Understanding Corrosion Inhibitors for Water

Protecting metal infrastructure from the relentless assault of corrosion is crucial in various industries. Water, often the culprit, can accelerate this process, leading to costly repairs and safety concerns. Thankfully, corrosion inhibitors stand as the first line of defense, safeguarding metal surfaces in water systems…Read More

The Unsung Hero: Understanding Alkalinity and its Importance

In the world of water chemistry, alkalinity often plays a crucial, yet somewhat unnoticed, role. It’s not a specific molecule but rather a measure of a water body’s ability to neutralize acids and resist changes in pH. It acts like a buffer, ensuring a stable environment infrastructure…Read More

Ensuring Boiler Efficiency: A Guide to Boiler Treatment Chemicals

Boilers, the workhorses of power plants and industrial settings, play a crucial role in generating steam, a vital source of energy. However, the high temperatures and pressures within boilers can lead to the formation of scale, corrosion, and other issues that can hinder their efficiency and lifespan…Read More

Industrial Boiler Treatment: Choosing the Right Chemicals and Practices for Optimal Performance

In the industrial sector, a reliable boiler is the backbone of countless processes. Maintaining its efficiency and longevity requires meticulous care, and proper water treatment plays a crucial role. Choosing the right chemicals and practices can prevent costly breakdowns, enhance performance, and extend the lifespan of your boiler system…Read More

How Is Legionella Testing Performed?

Legionella testing is performed to detect the presence of the bacteria in water. There are a number of different methods that can be used for Legionella testing…Learn More.

Learn more about our Legionella Testing here.

How Do You Perform Water Boiler Maintenance

A water boiler is a heating appliance that produces hot water for domestic or commercial use. It is important to maintain your water boiler regularly to ensure that it operates safely and efficiently…Read More.

Learn more about our Boiler Treatment Chemicals here.

Safeguarding Your Cooling Towers: A Comprehensive Guide to Dry Lay-Up

As cooling towers play a pivotal role in various industrial and commercial applications, ensuring their proper maintenance is paramount to their longevity and optimal performance. When faced with extended shutdowns, implementing a dry lay-up procedure is crucial for safeguarding your cooling towers from corrosion, bacterial growth, and potential damage…Read More

Why Do I Need Water Treatment In A Close Loop System?

A closed loop water system often falls into the “fill it and forget it” mode of operation. The enclosed water circulates unexposed to outside elements or foreign contamination and doesn’t require extensive maintenance. While this type of system might not be subject to the debris and dirt an open cooling tower can accumulate, within a closed loop water system a slight change in the chemistry, differential pressure or flow rate can jump start the process of corrosion. If left unchecked, corrosion can damage critical equipment, requiring costly repairs or replacement…Read More.

Read our Water Treatment Buyer’s Guide.

Learn more about our closed loop products here.

What Is AAMI ST 108?

AAMI ST 108 is an American National Standard that provides guidance on the quality of water used in the processing of reusable medical devices. It was published in 2023 and supersedes the previous standard, AAMI TIR34…Read More.

Learn more about our Legionella services here.

What Services Do Legionella Water Testing Companies Provide?

Legionella water testing companies provide a variety of services to help businesses and organizations protect themselves from Legionella contamination. These services include…Read More.

Learn more about our Legionella Testing here.

How Do I Properly Shut Down A Boiler At The End Of The Season?

Boilers are often damaged by improper shut down. Properly follow four simple steps to ensure the longevity of your equipment life and properly shut down your boiler…Read More.

Read our Water Treatment Buyer’s Guide.

Learn more about our boiler water treatment products here.

What Can I Use To Descale My Cooling Tower, Heat Exchanger Or Boiler?

There are a number of products that can be used to descale cooling towers, heat exchangers, and boilers. The best product for a particular application will depend on the type of scale, the severity of the scaling, and the materials of the equipmentRead More

Read our Wastewater Treatment Buyer’s Guide.

Check out our other pH products here.

What Kind Of Systems Can Be Used To Dewater My Wastewater?

The best system for dewatering your wastewater will depend on the type of sludge you have, the amount of water you need to remove, and your budget. If you are unsure which type of dewatering system is right for you, you should consult with a wastewater treatment specialist. They can help you choose the system that will meet your needs and budgetRead More.

Read our Water Treatment Buyer’s Guide.

How Does Scale Form on Cooling Tower Surfaces?

Scale can have a number of negative effects on cooling towers. It can reduce the efficiency of the cooling tower, increase the risk of corrosion, and damage the equipment. Scale can also be difficult and expensive to remove….Read More.

Learn more about our scaling products here.

What Type Of Equipment Do I Need For My Cooling Tower System?

To treat your cooling tower you will need chemical feed pumps, treatment control system, filtration, and monitoring probes.  Cooling towers are used to remove heat from a variety of industrial and commercial applications…Read More.

Learn more about our cooling tower products here.

What Should I Do To Shut Down My Cooling Tower For The Season?

By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your cooling tower is properly shut down for the season and that it will be ready to start up again when needed. Here are some additional considerations when shutting down your cooling tower…Read More.

Learn more about our cooling tower products here.

How Often Should I Test My Cooling Tower For Legionella?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that cooling towers be tested for Legionella bacteria at least quarterly. However, the frequency of testing may need to be increased if there are any risk factors for Legionella growth…Read More.

Learn more about our cooling tower treatment and digital water treatment we provide to meet your needs.

How Do I Prevent Corrosion In My Water Systems?

Corrosion is the gradual destruction of a material by chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment. In water systems, corrosion can occur in pipes, valves, and other components. It can lead to leaks, blockages, and other problems that can disrupt water service and cause costly repairs…Read More.

Learn more about our corrosion inhibitors we provide to meet your needs.

What Is Pre-Treatment And Why Do I Need It For My System?

Pretreatment is the process of removing contaminants from water before it is treated by a more complex system, such as a reverse osmosis (RO) system. Pretreatment can help to improve the efficiency and lifespan of the RO system by removing contaminants that can foul or damage the membranes….Read More.

Learn more about our pretreatment services we provide to meet your needs.

What Are Biocides And Why Should I Use Them?

Biocides are substances that kill or inhibit the growth of living organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including…Read More.

Learn more about our biocide products we provide to meet your needs.

Microbiological Induced Corrosion: What Is It And How Can It Harm My System, And How To Prevent It

Microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) is a type of corrosion that is caused by the presence of microorganisms. These microorganisms can produce acids, gases, and…Read More.

Learn more about our biocide products we provide to meet your anti-corrosion needs.

How Do I Work With You?

This is question that we are often asked and due to our unique footprint and breadth of technology, it really depends on how active a part you want to take in your treatment program and whether you are open to 24/7 monitoring of your systems.

The bottom line is most Water Treatment companies are one-size fits all.  ChemREADY customizes our solutions to meet your needs at the facility and drives toward a solution that you are comfortable with.  Our service region is in the Northeast and Midwest but we can support any customer in the United States and Canada through a breadth of technologically advanced solutions…Read More