Published: July 15, 2020
As the world emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses, industries, and public facilities faced an urgent need to reassess hygiene and sanitation protocols. The pandemic underscored the importance of clean water, proper disinfection, and safe work environments. Companies operating in manufacturing, hospitality, food processing, and healthcare had to implement new water treatment and hygiene standards to ensure worker safety and public health.
One of the biggest concerns was the stagnation of water systems in workplaces that had been closed for extended periods. Many industrial and commercial buildings saw reduced water usage during lockdowns, leading to the buildup of bacteria, biofilms, and potential contaminants in water pipelines. Legionella bacteria, responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, posed a particular risk in stagnant water systems, making post-lockdown disinfection a top priority.
To combat these risks, businesses turned to comprehensive water treatment plans before reopening. Flushing and disinfecting plumbing systems became an essential step to prevent bacterial outbreaks. Industries relied on strong oxidizers like chlorine dioxide, sodium hypochlorite, and Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCCA) to eliminate pathogens and restore water quality. Regular microbial testing and continuous water monitoring also became standard practice in many facilities to ensure ongoing safety.
The hospitality and recreational industries, including hotels, resorts, and public swimming pools, were particularly affected by new sanitation requirements. Hotels had to increase chlorine levels in water systems and conduct more frequent water testing to reassure guests of safe conditions. Public pools adopted enhanced disinfection protocols, utilizing automated chlorine dosing systems and UV water treatment to maintain safer swimming environments.
The food processing and beverage industries also underwent significant changes. Water quality standards for food production were reinforced, with companies introducing stricter filtration, chlorination, and sanitation processes. The pandemic made it clear that unhygienic water practices could compromise food safety, leading to a renewed focus on disinfection, proper chemical dosing, and sanitation of processing equipment.
One lasting effect of the pandemic was the increased adoption of automated and contactless water treatment technologies. Many industries invested in remote water monitoring systems that used AI-driven sensors to track chlorine levels, pH, and microbial activity in real time. This shift toward automation reduced the need for manual testing and minimized worker exposure to potential contaminants.
The post-pandemic era set a new standard for water treatment and hygiene, with industries recognizing the long-term benefits of regular disinfection, automated monitoring, and proactive maintenance. The heightened awareness of waterborne risks has not only improved industry practices but has also contributed to safer workplaces, cleaner public water systems, and a more resilient approach to hygiene and sanitation in the future.