Preventing pitting corrosion: when the Watter-system offers a solution

Pitting corrosion is difficult to detect: often, no damage is visible on the outside, whilst the metal is already slowly being corroded away from within. Harmless leaks can thus escalate into major water damage, loss of production and costly downtime. As it is often already too late by the time visual damage becomes apparent, it is important to take action in good time. Where biofilm plays a role in the development of pitting corrosion, Watter can help you manage this risk.

What are the effects of biofilm and microbial corrosion?

Biofilm can be a significant factor in the development of microbiologically induced corrosion (MIC) and localised pitting corrosion within systems. The biofilm itself does not automatically cause this, but it can create localised conditions in which metal corrodes more rapidly in certain areas than on biofilm-free sections (1).

When does your current disinfection routine become a risk factor?

Many companies use concentrated chlorine-based products to combat biofilm, but these products can actually contribute to the problem. The high concentrations corrode the protective layer on stainless steel and copper and can also increase the risk of pitting corrosion (3).

What does the Watter system do differently?

The Watter system produces a hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-based disinfectant in situ (on site) using only water, salt and electricity. This disinfectant not only ensures effective disinfection but is also more effective at much lower concentrations, making it less corrosive than alternatives (3).

This is known as microbially induced corrosion (MIC) and can cause pitting corrosion or accelerate existing pits. If you see terms such as ‘biofilm’, ‘MIC’ or ‘localised corrosion around deposits’ in reports, this is a clear indication that disinfection and biofilm control must be part of the solution (2).

When could you use Watter?

Structural biofilm and MIC issues
If reports repeatedly show high bacterial counts or localised damage and you find yourself in a vicious cycle of cleaning, rinsing and recurring problems, your system may be at risk of MIC. Watter can prevent the return of biofilm through continuous, low-dose HOCl dosing. This removes a key breeding ground for microbial-induced corrosion (MIC).

Current disinfection methods place a strain on materials
If you use concentrated chlorine-based products or other aggressive oxidants and encounter material issues, particularly with stainless steel, switching to in-situ generated HOCl may reduce the strain on materials. Due to the lower concentrations, the solution is less corrosive, which reduces the strain on materials and can extend the service life of your equipment.

Frequent production stops
MIC or wellbore corrosion can lead to unplanned production stops that cost a great deal of time and money, whilst also resulting in the loss of valuable water and water damage, not to mention all the additional work and administrative procedures involved, for example with insurers.

If you experience frequent production stoppages, this may be linked to insufficient disinfection or microbial contamination of the system. The constant dosing of Watter can prevent biofilm from returning, thereby helping to reduce the risk of recurrence and downtime.

A more sustainable process and reduced costs
The Watter system uses only water, salt and electricity to produce an effective disinfectant on-site. Thanks to the in-situ technology, there are also no transport or storage costs for chemicals.

You carry out regular shock dosing
If you currently use high doses of chlorine or other disinfectants periodically to combat biofilm, yet still experience MIC, well corrosion or rapid biofilm regrowth, continuous dosing at lower concentrations can help reduce the risk.

References:

• Knisz, J. et al. (2023). "Microbiologically influenced corrosion—more than just microorganisms." FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 47(5). Published by Oxford University Press. DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuad041. Beschikbaar via PMC/NIH:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10479746/
• Guo, X., Qi, B., Fu, H., Zhang, P., Zhao, J., Ouyang, J., Mao, J., & Yuan, Y. (2025). The impact of chlorine-based disinfection on the corrosion behavior of cast iron pipes in water distribution systems. Engineering Failure Analysis, 184, 110301.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engfailanal.2025.110301
• Khalid, N. I., Sulaiman, N. S., Ab Aziz, N., Taip, F. S., Sobri, S., & M.A.R., N.-K. (2021). Stability of electrolyzed water: from the perspective of food industry. Supplementary 1, 5(S1), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.5(s1).027