Canada Clears Chlorine-Free Water Treatment Option - Environment+Energy LeaderPerformic acid system signals shift in utility disinfection(Credit...

Canada Clears Chlorine-Free Water Treatment Option - Environment+Energy Leader
Performic acid system signals shift in utility disinfection

(Credit: Unsplash.com)
Posted Friday, April 3, 2026 6:00 pm
Kaleigh Harrison

As regulatory expectations tighten across the water sector, a recent approval in Canada points to a gradual shift in how disinfection is approached. Kemira has received registration from the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for KemConnect DEX, a performic acid-based system designed for wastewater and process water treatment.
The approval expands the company’s presence in North America and reflects a broader industry move toward reducing reliance on chlorine-based chemistries, which have long dominated the sector but face increasing scrutiny due to by-product formation and environmental impact.

Rethinking Disinfection Chemistry
Chlorine has historically been the default choice for water disinfection due to its cost-effectiveness and proven performance. However, its use can result in disinfection by-products that are drawing closer regulatory attention, particularly in regions tightening discharge and environmental standards.

KemConnect DEX uses performic acid, which decomposes rapidly after application and does not produce the same class of by-products. The approach is positioned as a way for operators to meet compliance requirements while reducing residual environmental effects.

The technology has been deployed in Europe for over a decade, including at large-scale facilities. One example is its use at the Seine Amont wastewater treatment plant ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where it was applied under high-demand conditions. These deployments offer reference points for utilities evaluating alternatives to established chlorine systems.

Pairing Chemical Treatment with Digital Control
Alongside its chemical formulation, the system integrates on-site generation with automated monitoring and dosing. This setup allows treatment levels to adjust in real time, based on incoming water conditions and operational requirements.

The combination of sensors and algorithm-driven control is designed to support consistent disinfection performance while limiting excess chemical use. For operators, this may help balance compliance targets with operational efficiency and cost management.

Producing performic acid on demand also reduces the need for transport and storage of bulk chemicals. This can simplify logistics and lower handling risks—factors that are increasingly relevant as utilities upgrade infrastructure and reassess safety protocols.

North American Market Signals
The PMRA registration introduces the technology to a Canadian market that is navigating evolving regulatory frameworks alongside infrastructure constraints and sustainability targets. It also indicates continued investment in North America by solution providers aiming to expand advanced treatment options.

Adoption decisions will likely continue to hinge on cost, reliability, and regulatory fit. However, sustainability considerations are becoming more central in procurement and long-term planning.

While chlorine-based systems are expected to remain in use, alternative chemistries and digitally enabled treatment models are gaining traction. As standards evolve, technologies that can align environmental performance with operational requirements are likely to see increased uptake.