QUEST UTILITY SERVICES:NON-CHEMICAL WATER treatment methods are being developed and explored by Co Longford-based Quest Utility Services.

The firm, which was part of DIT’s Hothouse programme in 2006, is using physics to treat water in a bid to reduce the reliance on chemicals such as chlorine.

One of its key products is an Austrian invention that managing director Douglas Gordon brought to Ireland under licence four years ago and is now distributing.

The Grander Water Revitalisation System is a sealed box with a number of chambers holding electromagnetically treated water.

Gordon says that, when mains water is piped through the box, the electromagnetic charge “revitalises” the water, lowering its surface tension and increasing its solvency.

According to Gordon, water treated in this way is more easily absorbed into the body and the requirement for salts and resins to treat high levels of limescale and iron are reduced.

“In simple terms, we are revitalising the water, restoring its natural properties and making it more refreshing to drink.”

He says that electromagnetically treated water has other benefits and is a better heat conductor.

In much the same way as a magnet retains its charge, the Grander system requires no maintenance, according to Gordon.

Gordon has worked in the area for some time and has employed non-chemical methods before, such as using industrial grade magnets to descale water and copper and silver ionisation to prevent Legionnaires’ Disease in hot and cold water.

The company won an award for the Best Environmentally Sustainable Product at the 2009 Plan Expo architects’ event.