Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about HydroTreat™ and how it can transform your water treatment program.
About HydroTreat™
What is HydroTreat™?
+HydroTreat™ is an advanced water treatment oxidant developed using proprietary mineral oxychloride (MxClyOz) technology. It generates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)—including hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, and peroxides—that provide powerful oxidation for pathogen control, biofilm elimination, and contaminant removal across a wide range of water treatment applications.
What makes HydroTreat different from other water treatment chemicals?
+Three key differentiators set HydroTreat apart:
- Superior oxidation power: HydroTreat delivers oxidation potential of 2.6–2.8 eV—matching hydroxyl radicals and significantly higher than chlorine (1.36 eV) or even ozone (2.04 eV).
- Biofilm penetration: Unlike surface-level biocides, HydroTreat’s ROS penetrate deep into biofilm matrices to destroy pathogens that traditional chemicals can’t reach.
- Continuous regeneration: HydroTreat continuously regenerates ROS, providing persistent residual protection rather than dissipating quickly like chlorine.
Who manufactures HydroTreat?
+HydroTreat is developed by IWC Innovations and distributed by KWC Chemical, LLC, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. KWC Chemical provides sales, technical support, and distribution services across multiple industries and regions.
What industries use HydroTreat?
+HydroTreat serves a wide range of water treatment applications, including:
- Municipal water treatment plants
- Power generation facilities
- Oil & gas operations
- Meat & poultry processing
- Cooling tower systems
- Data center cooling infrastructure
- Commercial and residential pools & spas
Visit our Industries pages to learn about specific applications.
How It Works
What are Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)?
+Reactive Oxygen Species are highly active molecules that include hydroxyl radicals, singlet oxygen, ozone, peroxides, and superoxides. These molecules drive powerful oxidation reactions that break down organic and inorganic contaminants at the molecular level.
Hydroxyl radicals, in particular, are among the most reactive oxidizing agents known—they attack and decompose contaminants through chain-reaction mechanisms, effectively neutralizing pathogens without forming harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
How does HydroTreat eliminate biofilm?
+Biofilms are complex microbial communities that form protective matrices on surfaces, shielding pathogens from traditional disinfectants. HydroTreat’s ROS don’t just kill surface-level microbes—they penetrate deep into the biofilm structure, breaking down the protective matrix itself and destroying the pathogens within.
In laboratory testing using the ASTM E2799-22 biofilm eradication protocol, HydroTreat achieved a 6.89 log reduction in biofilm viability—nearly 100× more effective than bleach at eliminating biofilm on stainless steel surfaces.
What is the dosage rate for HydroTreat?
+Dosage rates vary by application:
- Municipal water treatment: Typically 8–10 mg/L as a pre-oxidant
- Cooling towers: Application-specific based on system volume and conditions
- Food processing: Varies by application site and pathogen targets
- Pools & spas: Follow product guidelines based on water volume
Our technical team will help determine the optimal dosage for your specific application during the evaluation process.
Does HydroTreat work at all temperatures?
+Yes. Unlike some treatment chemicals whose efficacy drops at lower temperatures, HydroTreat maintains consistent performance across a wide temperature range. This makes it particularly effective in applications with variable water temperatures, such as cooling towers, seasonal pools, and facilities in different climate zones.
Does HydroTreat affect pH levels?
+HydroTreat has minimal impact on pH compared to traditional oxidants. In municipal water treatment applications, plants have reported stable settling basin pH between 6.8 and 6.9 after implementing HydroTreat. However, as with any water treatment program, we recommend monitoring pH as part of your standard operating procedures.
Using HydroTreat
Can HydroTreat replace my current chemical program?
+In many cases, yes. HydroTreat can often replace multiple chemicals—biocides, scale inhibitors, and corrosion inhibitors—with a single product. For example, data centers and cooling tower operators have replaced 4–6 chemical products with HydroTreat alone.
The specific replacement potential depends on your application. Our technical team will evaluate your current program and recommend the best approach during a pilot study.
Is HydroTreat compatible with my existing equipment?
+HydroTreat is compatible with standard water treatment infrastructure, including stainless steel, PVC, and common piping materials. It integrates into existing treatment trains without requiring specialized equipment. In municipal applications, HydroTreat is typically introduced at the raw water inlet or flash mixer using standard chemical feed systems.
How is HydroTreat applied?
+HydroTreat is a liquid formulation that can be dosed using standard chemical metering pumps. The specific injection point depends on your application—for municipal water treatment, it’s typically added upstream of coagulation; for cooling towers, at the makeup water or basin; for food processing, at various points throughout the sanitation process.
Can HydroTreat be used alongside ozone systems?
+Yes—and this is one of HydroTreat’s most compelling applications. When used as a pre-oxidant upstream of ozone systems, HydroTreat significantly reduces ozone demand. In a 90-day field study at a 10 MGD municipal plant, HydroTreat reduced ozone generator load from 110% to 40% of rated capacity, cutting energy consumption by 50–60% and extending equipment life.
Certifications & Regulations
Is HydroTreat certified for potable water?
+Yes. HydroTreat is NSF/ANSI Standard 60 certified for use in potable water applications up to 84 mg/L. This certification ensures both safety and regulatory compliance for drinking water treatment.
What certifications and approvals does HydroTreat have?
+HydroTreat holds multiple certifications depending on the application:
- NSF/ANSI Standard 60: Certified for potable water up to 84 mg/L
- EPA Registered: Registered for 88 target application sites
- USDA Organic Compliant: Meets 7 CFR Part 205 requirements
- FDA Approved: For food contact applications
Does HydroTreat produce harmful byproducts?
+No. Unlike chlorine-based treatments that can form trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), and bromate, HydroTreat breaks down into pure oxygen and mineral monoxides. In field studies, HydroTreat has demonstrated significant reductions in disinfection byproducts—including 100% elimination of HAA5s and 79.8% reduction in bromate.
Is HydroTreat environmentally friendly?
+Yes. HydroTreat’s breakdown products are non-toxic and environmentally benign—oxygen and mineral monoxides. There are no carcinogenic byproducts, no hazardous discharge concerns, and no bioaccumulation. This makes HydroTreat an excellent choice for facilities with ESG commitments or strict environmental discharge requirements.
Is HydroTreat safe for workers to handle?
+HydroTreat is safer to handle than many traditional water treatment chemicals. Standard personal protective equipment (PPE) and handling procedures apply. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available upon request and will be provided with all product shipments.
Working With Us
How do I know if HydroTreat is right for my application?
+The best way to find out is to contact us and tell us about your specific water treatment challenges. We’ll review your situation—including your current treatment program, water quality issues, and operational goals—and let you know whether HydroTreat is a good fit. If it is, we can discuss a pilot study to demonstrate results at your facility.
What does a pilot study involve?
+A typical pilot study runs 30–90 days and involves introducing HydroTreat into your existing treatment process at a controlled dosage. The process includes:
- Baseline water quality measurements before treatment
- HydroTreat introduction at recommended dosage
- Ongoing monitoring of key parameters throughout the trial
- Final analysis and documentation of results
We work closely with your team throughout the pilot to ensure proper implementation and accurate measurement of outcomes.
How much does HydroTreat cost?
+Pricing varies based on application, volume, and specific requirements. However, HydroTreat typically delivers significant total cost savings when you factor in reduced chemical complexity (replacing 4–6 products with one), lower energy consumption, extended equipment life, and reduced maintenance.
In cooling tower and data center applications, capital and operating costs are often less than 1% of conventional ozone systems. Contact us for a customized quote based on your specific needs.
How is HydroTreat shipped and stored?
+HydroTreat is shipped as a liquid in appropriate containers based on order volume. It should be stored in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Detailed storage and handling instructions are provided with each shipment. Shelf life and specific storage requirements will be covered during the ordering process.
Do you work with distributors?
+Yes, we partner with qualified distributors in various regions and industries. If you’re interested in becoming a HydroTreat distributor, please contact us and select “Become a Distributor” to tell us about your company and the markets you serve.
How quickly can I expect a response to my inquiry?
+We typically respond to inquiries within one business day. If your matter is urgent, please indicate that in your message and we’ll prioritize accordingly. For immediate technical questions, you can also email us directly at [email protected].
Results & Expectations
How quickly does HydroTreat work?
+HydroTreat delivers rapid results. Pathogen kill times are typically less than 10 seconds. In municipal water treatment applications, facilities have seen measurable improvements within one hour of introduction—including dramatic reductions in ozone demand and bromate levels. Biofilm reduction and other cumulative benefits develop over days to weeks depending on the application.
What results can I expect?
+Results vary by application, but documented outcomes include:
- Municipal water: 79.8% bromate reduction, 100% HAA5 elimination, 70% turbidity improvement, 50–60% energy savings, complete T&O complaint elimination
- Food processing: 6.89 log reduction in biofilm viability, 12–24× more effective than chlorine, pathogen kill in <10 seconds
- Cooling systems: Biofilm elimination, Legionella control, improved heat transfer efficiency, higher cycles of concentration
A pilot study at your facility will establish baseline measurements and document the specific improvements HydroTreat delivers for your application.
Do you have case studies available?
+Yes. We have documented field studies and case studies for various applications, including municipal water treatment and food processing. Visit our Case Studies page or contact us to request materials relevant to your industry.
How does HydroTreat compare to ozone systems?
+HydroTreat delivers comparable or superior oxidation performance to ozone at a fraction of the cost. Key comparisons:
- Oxidation potential: HydroTreat (2.6–2.8 eV) vs. Ozone (2.04–2.07 eV)
- Capital cost: HydroTreat requires no specialized generation equipment; ozone systems can cost $10–50M
- Operating cost: HydroTreat capital and operating costs are often <1% of ozone systems
- Complexity: HydroTreat is a simple liquid dosing system; ozone requires generators, contactors, and destruct systems
HydroTreat can also work alongside existing ozone systems to reduce ozone demand and extend equipment life.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is ready to help you understand how HydroTreat can address your specific water treatment challenges.