Kemira completes first US chlorine-free wastewater treatment trial

Kemira has completed the first full-scale US trial of its chlorine-free wastewater treatment technology, KemConnect DEX, at Capital Region Water in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

According to Kemira, the one-month trial demonstrated that its performic acid-based solution can effectively reduce bacteria levels at low doses while minimizing environmental impact. The technology rapidly breaks down into biodegradable compounds, reducing persistence in treated water compared to traditional chlorine-based disinfection.

The milestone follows the recent registration of the core performic acid ingredient with the Environmental Protection Agency for commercial use in the United States. Kemira said the trial was completed within eight months of that approval.

Capital Region Water, which serves Harrisburg and surrounding municipalities, partnered with Kemira on the deployment. The utility reported that the trial confirmed the viability of alternatives to chlorine for microbial control in wastewater treatment.

Kemira’s KemConnect DEX platform combines performic acid chemistry with automated dosing based on real-time data. The system adjusts feed rates to maintain required bacterial limits under changing flow and water quality conditions, including those driven by weather events.

The company said the technology is designed for on-site installation, allowing facilities to upgrade treatment processes without the higher capital costs often associated with chlorine-based or ultraviolet disinfection systems.

Kemira stated that the successful trial supports broader adoption of chlorine-free wastewater treatment systems as utilities face stricter environmental regulations and increasing demand for sustainable operations.