One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to purify water is to bubble ozone through it. Ozone is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms ( O3). It disinfects water very effectively, through a process called oxidation. Ozone ruptures the cellular structure of organisms, killing them. It also oxides toxic organic chemicals, minerals and metals by reducing them to their insoluble form, so that they can be filtered out. This means it neutralizes most of the compounds that cause odor and off-tastes. Note, however, that ozonation does not remove nitrates, sulfates or heavy metals (see my article on water filters to find how to remove these).
In Europe and Asia, ozone is used in place of chlorine to purify public drinking water. Ozone is able to oxidize organic contaminants more completely and quickly than chlorine. It is healthier to use than chlorine because ozone does not form chlorine disinfection by-products like THMs. Instead any residual ozone dissolves into oxygen.
To produce ozone in your home, you can purchase a device called a ozone generator or ozonator. Ozonators generate ozone by passing air through a high-frequency electric field. These devices are commonly sold to purify the water in hot tubs and spas.
I’ve been testing an A2Z Ozone Generator. This $70 ozonator uses corona discharge to produce ozone, this involves using an electric discharge brought on by the ionization of a fluid . It produces ozone at a rate of 600 mg/h per hour. The ozone is pushed through a tube, and comes out through a bubbler stone. The ozone it produces smells like fresh, metallic oxygen.
Using this generator you can purify 5 gallons of water in 10 minutes, by placing the bubbler in a container of water. You can also use it your bath or hot tub. Ozone also destroys airborne odors caused by wet carpets, cigarette smoke or basement mold. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set safety standards for ozone concentration in the air.