Anti-fouling paints for raw water pumps in river intakes

Are non-biocidal anti-fouling paints safe for use on large scale raw water intake facilities for water treatment plants?  Is there any risk to human health? 

Taxonomy

• Water Treatment Design
• Public Health
• Raw Sewage
• Treatment
• Treatment Methods
• Chemical Treatment
• Biological Treatment
• Raw Sewage Recycling
• Drinking Water Treatment
• Water Treatment & Control
• Treatment Plants
• Water Treatment Solutions
• RO & MSF Fouling
• Paints & Coatings
• Water Treatment Systems
• Paints
• Water Treatment Systems
• NON REVENUE WATER
• Water treatment
• Water Treatment
• Raw Water
• water treatment
• Water Treatment Equip

2 Answers

1. Just to add to the earlier points: several studies and regulatory assessments have found that non-biocidal anti-fouling coatings—when properly selected and applied—pose no direct human health risk, particularly those based on stable materials like silicone or fluoropolymers. However, it's worth noting that potential issues could arise over time due to coating degradation, improper application, or the presence of additives not suitable for potable water use.

   Given the variability in product formulations and approval standards, it’s a good idea to consult suppliers familiar with water utilities who may help identifying coatings that meet local compliance requirements and have a reliable performance record under riverine conditions, including fluctuating flows, sediment load, and biological activity.

   1 Comment

   1. Thanks for that.  Do you have details of any of these studies or assessments please, so that I could try to obtain copies?

      1 Comment reply

      1. Thank you for your follow-up. My earlier comments were based on a quick glance at the title and abstract of few articles on non-biocidal anti-fouling solutions and their applicability in water treatment systems. While I haven’t conducted any systematic search but here are a few references listed below:

         doi.org/10.1016/j.porgcoat.2003.06.001 (Coatings technology for fouling control)

         doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4274(98)00048-4 (Toxicological considerations of anti-fouling agents)

         doi.org/10.17265/2159-5879/2016.01.007 (Non-biocidal alternatives in water infrastructure)

          

         These may not directly address your exact query but should offer some relevant perspectives.

         If you need a detailed assessment—covering safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term performance of non-biocidal paints in large-scale raw water intakes—we have the technical background and resources to investigate this further. Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into your specific requirements.

2. Answer from OpenAi Chat GPT 4: 

   Yes, non-biocidal anti-fouling paints are generally considered safe for use on large-scale raw water intake systems , including those used in water treatment plants , provided they are properly selected and certified for potable or process water applications .

   ✅ What Are Non-Biocidal Anti-Fouling Coatings?

   Unlike traditional anti-fouling paints (which release toxic biocides like copper or organotins), non-biocidal coatings prevent fouling through physical means , such as:

   • Foul-release coatings (e.g., silicone or fluoropolymer-based): Make surfaces too slippery for organisms to attach.

   • Hydrophilic/hydrophobic surfaces : Alter surface tension to resist biofilm formation.

   • Ceramic or epoxy-based barrier coatings : Act as tough, inert layers that resist colonization.

   🧪 Safety & Health Considerations

   1. Human Health

   • These coatings do not leach toxic substances into the water.

   • Many are inert once cured and are chemically stable .

   • If certified for NSF/ANSI 61 (in the U.S.) or equivalent potable/process water certifications (e.g., DVGW, WRAS, ACS) , they are safe for human contact or indirect water exposure .

   Important: Coatings must be fully cured and applied per manufacturer specs to avoid any unreacted residues.

   2. Environmental Risk

   • Non-biocidal coatings are favored in sensitive ecosystems because they:

     • Don’t harm aquatic life

     • Reduce ecological load of heavy metals and toxins

     • Are often more durable , meaning less reapplication and waste

   3. Application-Specific Caveats

   • These coatings are typically used on:

     • Pump internals

     • Intake pipelines

     • Screens and grates

   • Surface prep and correct application are critical to performance.

   • Not all products are equal— industrial marine-grade coatings are designed for harsh conditions (biofouling + abrasion).

   

   

   Would you like help identifying specific products or suppliers that meet these criteria for river intake structures?

   1 Comment

   1. Yes please