Low cost and sanitary efficient system and method that creates two different treatment zones in large water bodies to facilitate direct contact recreational activities

SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING BODIES OF WATER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES

DIRECT CONTACT

DESCRIPTIVE MEMORY

This application is being filed on May 28, 2020, as a PCT International application and claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Application Serial No. 16/456,762, filed on June 28, 2019, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

1. FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the treatment of a large body of water to enable it to be suitable for recreational purposes; more specifically to treat water using a low-cost sanitary system and method that allows eliminating the risk of growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebae, microalgae and parasites, among others, thus solving the inefficiencies of conventional methods and systems in an innovative and low-cost manner. More specifically, the invention relates to a low-cost, sanitary-efficient system and method that creates two distinct treatment zones in large bodies of water to facilitate direct contact recreational activities.

2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional pool technology has been used and applied in water treatment for small recreational water bodies for decades. However, such technology has proven to be inefficient in treating and removing various microorganisms from relatively small water bodies.

On the other hand, large bodies of water, such as lakes used for swimming (hereinafter referred to as swimming lakes or “swimming lakes”) with higher dilution capacities, also present problems and are inefficient in inactivating and eliminating some microorganisms, regardless of whether the body water is treated periodically or not.

In addition, conventional pool technology when applied to large bodies of water requires significant capital, energy and chemical costs to complete its operation and maintenance. These costs make the use of conventional pool technology very expensive when applied to large bodies of water.

In general, recreational water bodies such as swimming pools and large water bodies such as swimming lakes are always prone to contamination by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebae, microalgae and parasites, among others, which can pose risks to bathers who use such water bodies for swimming, bathing and other direct contact recreational uses.

A. Swimming pools

For decades, swimming pool technology has been the most widely used water treatment technology for bodies of water used for recreational swimming purposes. During this time, various health authorities around the world have adopted water treatment regulations to regulate minimum health standards for swimming pools.

Conventional pool technology essentially requires permanent disinfection of the entire volume of water to maintain a high ORP (oxidation reduction potential) or disinfectant concentration, such as free chlorine level, in the water on a permanent basis. In addition, filtration of the entire volume of water is required between one and six times per day (usually four times per day) to remove all suspended particles and contaminants in said volume of water.

However, it is important to understand that, contrary to popular belief, conventional pool disinfection technology does not kill all germs or microorganisms instantly. In fact, there are chlorine-resistant microorganisms that can survive in chlorinated pool water and trigger “Recreational Water Illnesses” (RWI). Although there are certain bacteria that are killed within seconds with normal pool disinfection levels, there are many microorganisms that have a high tolerance to chlorine or other disinfectants. These microorganisms can survive for several days after a pool contamination event has occurred, as pool disinfection treatment is not designed to kill all of these microorganisms. A microorganism that is highly resistant to conventional pool disinfection technologies is, for example, Cyptosporidium. This is a major cause of RWI, especially in treated water bodies such as swimming pools, as discussed above. In fact, several studies show that free chlorine levels of approximately 1 to 3 ppm (such as those found in conventionally treated pools) can take more than 10 days to inactivate 99.9% of Cryptosporidium oocysts, since this microorganism is highly resistant to conventional pool disinfection methods. Therefore, many bathers may swim in a pool treated in accordance with the relevant regulations for swimming pool disinfection standards during that 10-day period and be exposed to infection by such a microorganism.

Furthermore, with respect to conventional pool filtration technology, it is important to mention that sand filters are generally capable of filtering particles in the size range of up to 20-25 microns while cartridge filters are typically capable of removing particles in the size range of up to 5-10 microns. Furthermore, as an example, Cryptosporidium oocysts are approximately 4-6 microns in size. This makes them very difficult to remove by conventional filtration in swimming pools, as commonly used filters can remove only about 25% of the oocysts that pass through the filter.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that when there is a contamination event in a swimming pool, the disinfection and filtration systems are not prepared to eliminate such microorganisms. Traditional disinfection is not sufficient to inactivate or kill such microorganisms, and the traditional filtration system does not allow them to be removed from the water within a time frame that guarantees that people will not become infected once contamination occurs. In particular, this is because conventional pool technologies require the entire volume of water in the pool to be filtered, which is a slow process that does not even allow for the complete filtering of all oocysts in an appropriate time frame, coupled with the fact that chlorine may not inactivate all oocysts of certain microorganisms in a period of less than 10 days. Consequently, if a contamination event occurs in the pool, such microorganisms may go unnoticed and infect many bathers before they are properly treated and removed from the pool water.

Therefore, swimming pools are prone to RWIs caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others present in the water, which may have a high resistance to conventional pool water treatment methods and, therefore, can reach bathers either by swallowing the water, breathing the resuspended microorganisms, or simply by having direct contact with the water.

A study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) summarized 90 reports of recreational water disease outbreaks that occurred during 2011 and 2012 in 32 states and Puerto Rico, where 69 outbreaks (76.6%) were found in conventionally treated pools. Also, a 2007 CDC study summarized the 78 overall reports of recreational water illness outbreaks that occurred during 2005-2006, indicating that illnesses occurred in 4,412 people, resulting in 116 hospitalizations and five deaths. Of those 78 outbreak reports, 31 (40%) were caused by Cryptosporidium. Another study notes that in June 2003, an outbreak of Giardia intestinalis occurred at a Massachusetts membership club, resulting in 149 cases, including cases of secondary person-to-person transmission. Also, in July 2003, an outbreak of Cryptosporidium spread to several Kansas swimming pools and daycare centers, resulting in 617 cases. This latter outbreak was the largest recreational water outbreak during 2003-2004. In July 2004, a Cryptosporidium outbreak at a community swimming pool in Ohio caused gastroenteritis in 160 people in three counties, and in August 2004, employees affected with gastroenteritis at a California aquatic center continued to engage in work and recreational activities at the pools, resulting in a Cryptosporidium outbreak involving 336 people with related illnesses.

In 2008, the CDC reported that cases of RWI caused by Cryptosporidium in the US had tripled since 2004. However, this increase may have been influenced by more advanced detection methods, for example, meaning that earlier cases may have existed but were not detected. More recently, data collected during 2013-2014 by the CDC indicates that there were over 71 reported cases of pool outbreaks in the US. U.S., resulting in over 950 cases. From 2000-2014, over 450 outbreaks have been reported, resulting in over 27,000 cases, with over half of these cases due to Cryptosporidium.

The cases described above reinforce the fact that some microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, among others, are not effectively eliminated through conventional pool treatment methods or systems. Therefore, although it is a common belief that RWIs are a risk only in untreated water bodies, the majority of cases where RWIs have caused illness have occurred in conventionally treated water bodies, such as swimming pools, highlighting the need for improved methods and systems for treating and maintaining recreational water bodies.

In addition to contamination due to microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, swimming pools are prone to RWIs caused by amoebae present in the water body. For example, a 2003 study in Santiago, Chile, found that five out of eight public swimming pools had free-living amoebae during the summer period, and that IGaegleria Towleri and Acanthoamoebas were present in 36.3% of the samples. Furthermore, the study reported that one such public pool where no amoebas or free-living microorganisms were found had an extremely high chlorine concentration that made the surrounding air inhalable and caused eye irritation (especially since it was an indoor pool with little air circulation).

More recently, in Spain, a 10-year-old girl from the province of Toledo recovered from the first recorded case in Spain of primary amoebic encephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria Fowleri, which was contracted in a public swimming pool treated and maintained with standard swimming pool technology. Primary amoebic meningitis (PAM) is an extremely aggressive disease that causes severe headache, fever and stiff neck for several days and leads to death in 97% of detected cases. This case surprised doctors and health officials because the public pool where the girl contracted the disease met chlorine levels and filtration standards that are considered safe.

Currently, if such a contamination event occurs in a pool, there are generally one of two outcomes:

- If the contamination event is not detected, which usually happens, then the microorganisms will remain and spread in the water, potentially infecting many bathers (even if the water is being treated by the conventional pool system) meaning that there could be more than 10 days of exposure of bathers to the dangerous microorganisms. Furthermore, as emphasized above, conventional pool filtration systems take a long time to remove oocytes from the water, as there is partial filtration and in some cases, due to their size, oocytes cannot be removed at all.

— If the contamination event is detected, in order to inactivate and remove the oocytes it is necessary to close the pool for several days and sometimes even drain the entire pool volume, which rarely occurs. Alternatively, the pool may go through a hyperchlorination process, which requires an extremely high chlorine concentration which, as described above, can make the surrounding air inhalable as well as cause irritation to the eyes and skin.

In conclusion, conventional pool technologies, which combine disinfection and filtration processes, are not prepared to treat some microorganisms, such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia, among others, making it difficult to ensure that water, which is used for direct recreational purposes, is free of disease-causing microorganisms. Conventional pool systems are slow or ineffective at removing microorganisms of this type, even though they comply with required local regulations.

B. Large bodies of water

As mentioned above, there are also large bodies of water, such as swimming lakes used for direct contact purposes, which are partially treated. These water bodies are also prone to high risks associated with the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae, and parasites, among others. In some cases, deaths occur after a person becomes infected.

Generally, these large bodies of water are partially treated using methods that essentially consist of scaled-down applications of conventional pool technologies. Therefore, when these bodies of water are treated, disinfectant levels and filtration levels are typically much lower than required in conventional pools. For example, instead of maintaining a permanent 1 ppm of free chlorine in the entire water volume (like a conventional pool), such large bodies of water maintain much lower levels and not necessarily permanently, and instead of filtering the entire water volume four to six times a day (as required in a conventional pool), the water volume is filtered partially and/or less frequently. This partial disinfection and filtration is applied in such large water bodies mainly due to economic reasons, as the use of conventional pool technologies in large water bodies would require very high capacity system and equipment costs, as well as high operating costs related to the amount of chemicals needed and electricity for filtration purposes.

It is also important to note that such partially treated swimming lakes usually have water of low clarity and transparency. This contrasts with the transparency and crystal-clear conditions of conventional swimming pools, which is mainly the result of partial filtration of the water volume.

When it comes to confined recreational bodies of water, such as partially treated larger man-made lakes and lagoons or similar, it is important to note that when not treated using conventional pool technology, significant health risks can be created. For example, there have been many accidents caused by dangerous microorganisms in large man-made bodies of water that were not treated using traditional swimming pool technologies, but instead used a partial application of such technology.

A case in point is Disney's River County, where an 11-year-old boy died of Naegima Fowlm, which he contracted while swimming in its man-made lagoon. Another case occurred at the National Whitewater Center in North Carolina, where an 18-year-old woman died about a week after contracting the amoeba while rafting at the center.

Another recent accident occurred at an artificial surfing lake in Waco, Texas, which did not use conventional pool technology, but instead used partial water disinfection and filtration. In this accident, a 29-year-old surfer contracted the Raegleria Eowkri amoeba and died on September 21, 2018. Although this accident had fatal consequences, when water quality tests were carried out on 27 September 2018, the amoeba was not found in the surf lake but in nearby bodies of water. Therefore, it is very important to highlight that a simple analysis of water quality is generally not adequate to prevent this type of accident, since these microorganisms may be present in specific sectors within the water bodies and/or located in corners.

As an indication of the size of the problem, there have been more than 140 recorded cases in the United States of the Naeglma Eowleri amoeba, with a mortality rate of 97%.

A^/framWm enters the body through the nose, from where it travels to the central nervous system and causes acute brain inflammation and eventually leads to primary meningoencephalitis (PAM), a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as the brain-eating amoeba. Meningoencephalitis has an incubation period of two to eight days, and in almost all cases results in the death of the infected patient.

Acanthoamoebas, on the other hand, enter the human body through the eyes or cuts in the skin, travelling to the central nervous system and with an incubation period of only a few days. In the latter case, most cases end in a fatal outcome.

Both amoebas and Acanthoamoebas are particularly dangerous when present in bodies of water that have strong currents or constant water movement that causes resuspension of sediments accumulated on the lower surface of the water bodies. Resuspension increases the chances of the bacteria reaching the nose and eyes of bathers.

Monitoring amoebas through water quality analysis is extremely complex and requires specific knowledge. Moreover, it is not enough to conduct a few water samples at different locations within water bodies, as such analysis would not help to conclude the same results for other locations as mentioned above. Such amoebas may be present in certain locations within water bodies, hiding in corners or in bottom sediments. Therefore, detection of these amoebas requires training, specific analysis and controls, all of which illustrates the need for a system and method to properly treat recreational swimming lakes to prevent or minimize such risks.

Therefore, there are no methods or systems today that provide complete sanitary safety in conventional swimming pools or in large, partially treated bodies of water used for recreational purposes. Conventional systems, even for swimming pools, would require very high levels of disinfectants, which in addition to being extremely expensive, can generate a toxic environment and unsafe conditions for bathers and passersby. Furthermore, it has been shown that even when all standards generally considered safe in a swimming pool are met, RWI can still occur.

C. disinfection index

The standards and requirements by which swimming pools or large bodies of water are treated and maintained are conventional swimming pool requirements and US-EPA bacteriological standards, among others. However, these standards may sometimes not be sufficient to ensure that there will be no health risks due to the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae, and parasites, among others, in the water.

One way to apply proper disinfection to inactivate different microorganisms, such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others, is to use the CT index. This index is the result of a specific concentration of a disinfectant C and the amount of time T that the disinfectant is in contact with water at that specific concentration to achieve adequate disinfection. Therefore, the CT index is determined by multiplying both values, as can be seen in the following equation:

rmth

CT = Disinfectant Concentration —— x Contact Time [min] L Lj -*

Different CT values ​​allow for the inactivation of different microorganisms, parasites and protozoa, depending on the type of disinfectant used, the temperature and pH of the water, and the level of inactivation required. Table 1 below illustrates the CT values ​​for the inactivation of microorganisms.

TABLE 1

<td></td><td>Disinfectant</td><td>Inactivation</td><td>Temperature</td><td>CT value</td>

<td>Giardia goo</td><td>Ozone</td><td>1 log</td><td>10 °C</td><td>0.48 (6 &lt;pH &lt;9)</td>

<td>Giardia goo</td><td>Ozone</td><td>1 log</td><td>25 °C</td><td>0.16 (6 &lt;pH &lt;9)</td>

<td>Giardia goo</td><td>Chlorine</td><td>1 log</td><td>10 °C</td><td>112 (for pH = 7)</td>

<td>Giardia goo</td><td>Chlorine</td><td>1 fog</td><td>10° C</td><td>162 (for pH = 8)</td>

<td>Cryptosporidium</td><td>Chlorine</td><td>3 log</td><td>25 °C</td><td>15,300 (pH &lt;7.5)</td>

<td>Naegleria Towleri (trophozoites)</td><td>Chlorine</td><td>3 log</td><td>25° C</td><td>9 (for pH 7.5)</td>

<td>Naeglena Fowleri (Trophozoites)</td><td>Chlorine</td><td>3 log</td><td>25 °C</td><td>23 (for pH 9)</td>

<td>Naegleria Fowleri</td><td>Chlorine</td><td>3 log</td><td>25° C</td><td>42 (for pH 7.5)</td>

<td>(Oocytes)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Naegleria Fowleri (Oocytes)</td><td>Chlorine</td><td>³¹°g</td><td>25 °C</td><td>50 (for pH 9)</td>

Inactivation is measured as 1 log, 2 log, 3 log, or 4 log, as illustrated in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2

<td>1 log</td><td>90% inactivation</td>

<td>2 log</td><td>99% inactivation</td>

<td>3 log</td><td>99.9% inactivation</td>

<td>4 log</td><td>99.99% inactivation</td>

In general, bacteria are easily inactivated, whereas microorganisms such as Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium, among others, are very difficult to inactivate. For example, the inactivation of 1 log of Giardia oocytes at a temperature of 10 °C and a pH of 7 requires a CT value of 112. This means that the following disinfection alternatives can be used:

- A concentration C of 1 ppm can be used for a time T of 112 minutes, achieving a CT of 10112 rWl r if

CT = 1 x 112[min] = 112 —-xminl L ·* LtJ

- A C concentration of 2 ppm can be used for a T time of 56 minutes, achieving a CT of 112 rWi r png 1

CT = 1 —— x 112[τηίη] = 112 -~·χmini *- L· -» *· Lt -*

Therefore, in the example above, it can be seen that to achieve the same CT value, a higher C concentration results in a lower application time T.

Adequate disinfection must be achieved in recreational water bodies in order to provide safe sanitary conditions for direct contact purposes. Although some microorganisms are easily inactivated by conventional levels of pool disinfection, there are microorganisms that are resistant to conventional disinfection and filtration methods, and therefore require other types of treatment to provide a safe, sanitary water body.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a method and system that will carry out water treatment and minimize the risk of contamination in large bodies of water from microorganisms commonly found in recreational waters, such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebae, microalgae and parasites, among others, thereby solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative and low-cost manner. The present invention addresses the technical problem set forth herein by providing an efficient and low-cost sanitary method and system for providing large bodies of water suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, where the large body of water has a surface area of ​​at least 3,000 m2, and where the method comprises, among other steps, designating a sedimentation zone and a dissipation zone, applying a disinfection method based on a CT index to the volume of water in the settling zone, applying an effective amount of a flocculant composition to the settling zone, maintaining a chlorine residual in the volume of water in the dissipation zone, injecting water into the dissipation zone, and wherein the dissipation zone is arranged and configured to allow a Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) of up to 30 minutes.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a system and method for treating a large body of water to render the water suitable for recreational purposes.

The methods and systems according to the principles of the invention provide a low-cost sanitation system and a method that minimizes the risks of contamination from microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebae, microalgae and parasites, among others. Such a system and method can be used in swimming lakes and large artificial bodies of water, among others.

In any event, the principles of the invention include the designation of two different treatment zones in the large body of water. The two zones have different configurations and treatment methods. The first zone is a sedimentation zone. This zone is primarily used to provide treatment and sedimentation of microorganisms and/or contaminants to inactivate and/or remove them from the body of water. The second zone is a dissipation zone. This area is where most recreational activities are intended to occur. In this dissipation zone, a water flow is established which, together with natural currents produced by winds and/or water temperature differences, allows for the generation of a water dissipation pattern from the water volume within dissipation zone 2 to sedimentation zone 1. In addition, continuous disinfection of the water volume in the dissipation zone is provided.

Therefore, in accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an efficient, low-cost and sanitary method of providing large bodies of water for direct contact recreational purposes, of at least 3,000 m²> understanding the method: designating a settling zone 1 and a dissipation zone 2 in the large water body, applying a disinfection method based on a CT index and applying an efficient amount of a flocculant composition in the settling zone 1 that helps the settling of different microorganisms and/or contaminants that are present in the settling zone 1, and minimizing the movement of water volume within the settling zone, so as to minimise disturbance to the sedimentation process; maintaining a permanent residual chlorine level in the volume of water in dissipation zone 2 by adding an effective amount of a chlorine-based disinfectant to dissipation zone 2 such that at least a level of 0.5 mg/L of free chlorine is maintained in the volume of water contained within dissipation zone 2; injecting water into the dissipation zone by means of one or more inlet nozzles which, together with the natural currents produced by the winds and/or the differences in water temperature, allow generating a water dissipation pattern of the water volume within the dissipation zone 2 towards the sedimentation zone 1, and where the dissipation zone 2 is configured and arranged to allow a Pollution Reduction Index (CRI) of up to 30 minutes.

According to other aspects according to the method described in the previous paragraph, the sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2 are not separated by a physical barrier and the ratio of the water volume inside the dissipation zone to the water volume inside the sedimentation zone is 1:2 to 1:40. The method further comprises designing the settling zone such that, on a daily average, no more than 20% of the total number of bathers using the large body of water are present in the settling zone 1, and wherein the settling zone 1 is intended primarily for secondary, non-direct recreational contact purposes; wherein the method further comprises designing the settling zone for direct contact purposes such as swimming; and/or additionally design the dissipation zone so that, on a daily average, 80% or more of the bathers using the large body of water are present in dissipation zone 2.

It will be appreciated that large bodies of water with which the principles of the present invention may be utilized include natural bodies of water (such as swimming lakes) or man-made bodies of water.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for establishing a large body of water suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, where the large body of water covers at least 3,000m² and has a periphery 12 and a bottom, where the system comprises:

a sedimentation zone 1 located within a portion of the large water body 3 and along a portion of the periphery 12;

a system for dosing chemicals 19 within the sedimentation zone arranged and configured to apply:

i) disinfectant agents in the water volume within the sedimentation zone to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours, where C is defined as the concentration and T is defined as the minimum contact time, and ii) flocculating agents in the sedimentation zone that assist in the sedimentation process of the different microorganisms, parasites and protozoa that are present in the water body and inactivated by the CT cycle;

a dissipation zone located within a portion of the large body of water and along a portion of the periphery 12;

a system for dosing chemicals 29 into the dissipation zone, configured to maintain a residual chlorine in the volume of water within the water of the dissipation zone, wherein at least a free chlorine level of 0.5 mg/L is maintained in the volume of water located within the dissipation zone; and one or more inlet nozzles 26 along the dissipation zone 2 within the dissipation zone, arranged and configured to inject water into the dissipation zone, which together with natural currents produced by winds and/or water temperature differences, They allow a water dissipation pattern to be generated from the volume of water within the dissipation zone 2 towards the sedimentation zone 1 and minimally disturb the volume of water within the sedimentation zone, thereby minimizing the disturbance of the sedimentation process.

The advantages and features which characterize the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims appended to and forming part of this document. However, for a better understanding of the inventions, reference should be made to the drawings which form part of this document and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which preferred embodiments of the inventions are illustrated and described.

3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, in which like numbers represent like parts in the various views:

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a large body of water comprising two separate zones, a sedimentation zone 1 and a dissipation zone 2.

Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a large body of water including a sedimentation zone 1 and two dissipation zones 2.

Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged portion of the water body of Figure 1 showing one embodiment of the sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2.

Figs. 4A - 4G show an exemplary embodiment of the invention where the method of the invention is illustrating.

Figure 5 schematically illustrates a functional block diagram of the various components that may be used in an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a portion of the periphery 12 of a large body of water in an area of ​​dissipation zone 2.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment method used in connection with the present invention.

4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. While embodiments of the invention may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are also possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, rearranging, or adding steps to the described methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention relates to a low-cost and sanitary-efficient method for providing large bodies of water with two distinct treatment zones for direct contact recreational purposes.

The low-cost and sanitary-efficient method of the present invention addresses the technical inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies for maintaining sanitary and safe conditions in bodies of water by combining the technical features of a direct-contact recreational dissipation zone 2, having a particular and efficient water dissipation pattern, as well as a permanent minimum concentration of a chlorine disinfectant, together with a settling zone 1 which is intended primarily for secondary non-direct recreational contact purposes, which is not physically separated from dissipation zone 2 and is configured to inactivate, flocculate and remove previously dissipated hazardous microorganisms from dissipation zone 2.

As described herein, the disinfection methods, efficient diffusion patterns, and sedimentation capabilities of water bodies in accordance with the present invention create unprecedented, safer environments for aquatic recreational purposes that have not been previously described or applied and that address the deficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies and those of partially treated large bodies of water. thus allowing the creation of recreational water bodies that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, protozoa, amoebae, microalgae and parasites, among others), thus solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative and low-cost way.

In the context of the present invention, direct contact recreational activities involving repeated or continuous direct contact of bathers with water, which entails a significant risk of water ingestion, such as swimming, water skiing, diving, surfing and wading by children. On the other hand, secondary recreational contact or non-contact uses do not involve direct contact of bathers with the water and therefore do not involve a significant risk of water ingestion, such as fishing or boating activities.

The method of the present invention allows to inactivate and/or eliminate contaminants and/or microorganisms from large bodies of water, where said microorganisms can come from the air, water sources, external contamination, but mainly from bathers who access the body of water, who bring such contaminants with them.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a low-cost and sanitary-efficient method for providing large bodies of water suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, the method comprising at least:

- designate a sedimentation zone 1 and a dissipation zone 2 in the large water body, both with different configurations and treatment methods, where — the sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2 are located within the same water body 3, and are not separated by a physical barrier,

- Sedimentation zone 1 may have a second purpose (e.g. E.g., in addition to functioning as the settling zone), which is for aesthetic purposes and is primarily intended for secondary, non-direct recreational contact purposes and is therefore designed to have a lower bather density than dissipation zone 2, — k Dissipation zone 2 is used for direct contact purposes such as swimming and bathing and is designed to have a high bather density, — apply a disinfection method based on a CT index in the water volume of sedimentation zone 1,

- applying an effective amount of a flocculant composition in the settling zone 1 that assists in the settling of various microorganisms and/or contaminants that are present in the settling zone 1, and wherein the water flows and water circulation within the settling zone 1 are maintained to allow for proper settling, preferably the water flows and water circulation within the settling zone 1 are kept to a minimum, thus minimising the disturbance of the sedimentation process;

— maintaining a residual chlorine level in the water volume of dissipation zone 2, and — injecting water into dissipation zone 2 by means of one or more inlet nozzles which, together with natural currents produced by winds and/or water temperature differences, allow generating a water dissipation pattern from the water volume within dissipation zone 2 towards sedimentation zone 1, and where dissipation zone 2 is configured to allow a Pollution Reduction Index (CRI).

More specifically, the present invention also relates to a system for establishing a large body of water 3 suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, wherein the system comprises:

a) a sedimentation zone 1 located within a portion of the large water body 3 and along a portion of the periphery;

b) a system for dosing chemicals along the periphery within the settling zone 1 arranged and configured to apply:

(i) disinfectant agents in the water volume within the sedimentation zone 1 to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours, where C is defined as the concentration and T is defined as the minimum contact time; and (ii) a flocculant composition in the sedimentation zone 1 that assists in the sedimentation process of the different microorganisms, parasites and protozoa that are present in the water body and inactivated by the CT cycle;

c) a dissipation zone 2 located within a portion of the large water body and along a portion of the periphery;

d) one or more inlet nozzles 26 along the periphery within the dissipation zone 2 arranged and configured to inject water into the dissipation zone 2 to generate a diffusion pattern of the water volume within the dissipation zone,

e) a system for dosing chemicals 29 into the dissipation zone 2 configured to maintain a residual chlorine level in the volume of water within the water dissipation zone, wherein at least a free chlorine level of 0.5 mg/L is maintained in the volume of water located within the dissipation zone.

The large bodies of water with which the principles of the present invention can be practiced can be natural or man-made bodies of water and can have a surface area of ​​at least 3,000 m2, more preferably at least 8,000 m2 and even more preferably at least 12,000 m2 and most preferably at least 24,000 m2.

Referring to Figure 1, two different zones are designated within the large water body 3, a first sedimentation zone 1 and a second dissipation zone 2 which have different configurations, disinfection methods, starting requirements and dissipation conditions.

Both zones are located within the same large body of water 3, and are not separated by a physical barrier, as the dissipation zone 2 is open to the sedimentation zone 1. Both zones may be delimited by the use of a delimiting means or device 4. Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, a delimiting means 4 separates the sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2. The delimitation means 4 according to the invention can be selected from the group comprising a visual delimitation, aerial flags, a series of buoys, a flotation line, a delimitation line, a change of slope, different depths and combinations thereof, among others. In other embodiments, the approximate location of the removal means may be established by other means, such as in a brochure, sign designations or rules, a manual, a user guide, and by written and/or verbal instructions, among others.

According to the invention, the ratio between the volume contained within the dissipation zone 2 and the volume contained within the sedimentation zone 1 is preferably 1:2, more preferably 1:10, even more preferably 1:30 and most preferably 1:40.

Sedimentation Zone 1 is configured to provide treatment and sedimentation of contaminants and/or microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebae, microalgae and parasites, among others, to inactivate and eliminate them from water body 3. Sedimentation zone 1 has specific characteristics that allow efficient sedimentation of suspended contaminants and microorganisms and prevent their resuspension, including: (a) has a defined depth, (b) is designed to have a limited density of bathers, (c) has means to generate a disinfection treatment based on a CT index, (d) includes the application of flocculants to help the sedimentation of microorganisms and/or contaminants, and (e) has a defined surface that ensures the maintenance of a low-turbulence water body to minimize water flows and circulation that may interfere with the sedimentation process. The above characteristics are described in detail below:

a) A defined depth: the sedimentation zone 1 is designed so that its depth allows efficient sedimentation of microorganisms. In one embodiment of the invention, the depth of the settling zone 1 is at least 1.8 meters at its deepest point, which helps to prevent bathers from stepping on the lower surface of the settling zone 1, which could cause resuspension of microorganisms and impurities that have already settled to the bottom of the settling zone 1. In other embodiments of the invention, the depth of the sedimentation zone 1 is at least 2 meters at its deepest point, and preferably at least 2.2 meters at its deepest point.

b) A limited density of bathers: the sedimentation zone is mainly intended for secondary purposes of non-direct recreational contact; and due to its depth, bathers who wish to access and remain in this area would tend to return to dissipation zone 2, which is suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, and therefore, the sedimentation zone 1 is designed such that the density of bathers in said sedimentation zone is limited to less than 20% of the total number of bathers present in the large water body 3 and more preferably to less than 10% of the total number of bathers present in the large water body 3. Such 20% and 10% of the total number of bathers are calculated as a daily average, taking into account the total number of bathers entering the water body 3.

c) A disinfection treatment based on a CT index: the sedimentation zone 1 is treated based on a CT index, in which it is required to determine the CT that is suitable for inactivating the most dangerous microorganisms such as Naepieria Foivleri, Giardia or Cryptosporidium, among others. Disinfection treatment based on a CT index requires that settling zone 1 be treated by adding disinfectant agents to achieve a specific concentration C for a minimum contact time of T in the entire water volume of settling zone 1. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a disinfection method is carried out such that disinfectant agents are applied to the volume of water contained in the sedimentation zone 1 to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours, since it has proven to be a CT index that provides sanitary and safe conditions to inactivate not only NaegkriaFowleri but other dangerous microorganisms that are present in recreational water bodies.

It is important to emphasize that some microorganisms, such as Naegleria Foivkri, do not survive in seawater or saltwater. However, if the water body 3 according to the present invention contains seawater, saltwater or a combination thereof, the settling zone 1 is in any case configured so that disinfectant agents are applied to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours. In other embodiments of the invention, the disinfecting agents are applied to achieve a CT index according to any of the indices listed in Table 1, or another defined accordingly, in a time frame of at least 24 hours, preferably at least 48 hours and even more preferably up to 72 hours.

d) Application of flocculants: the sedimentation zone 1 is treated with a flocculant composition that helps in the sedimentation process of contaminants and/or microorganisms that are present in the water body and that may have been inactivated through the CT cycles.

In one embodiment of the invention, the flocculant composition comprises one or more flocculant agents selected from the group consisting of organic and inorganic flocculants. Preferably, the flocculant agents are selected from inorganic flocculants comprising synthetic polymers, cationic quaternary ammonium polymers, polycationic polymers, aluminum salts, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, the flocculating agents are preferably selected from the group comprising a cationic or anionic polymeric flocculant and are preferably added to the settling zone 1 at least once every 7 days at a rate of 0.03 to 3.0 g per m³ of the water volume of sedimentation zone 1.

e) A large surface area: sedimentation zone 1 has a large surface area of ​​at least 1,500 m²· preferably at least 6,000 m² and even more preferably at least 10,000 m²· which allows to minimize the effect of water flows and water circulation that can affect the resuspension of sedimented contaminants from the lower surface of the sedimentation zone 1.

The dissipation zone 2 according to the present invention is suitable for direct contact recreational purposes and is preferably located near the periphery 12 of the water body 3 and is open to the sedimentation zone 1. The dissipation zone 2 is the zone designated to have a high density of bathers. Dissipation zone 2 has specific characteristics and conditions to provide continuous disinfection to the water volume within dissipation zone 2 and to allow efficient dissipation of water in sedimentation zone 1. Therefore, the dissipation zone is defined by the following three main technical characteristics:

a) Continuous disinfection: a permanent residual chlorine level is maintained in dissipation zone 2, where said zone is disinfected so that at least a free chlorine level of 0.5 mg/L is maintained in the volume of water contained within the dissipation zone. According to the main embodiment of the invention, chlorine is the preferred disinfectant agent to be applied in the dissipation zone, however, other types of disinfectants that achieve suitable disinfection parameters can also be used, such as bromine, ozone, their derivatives and mixtures thereof.

b) A specific depth and geometry: The dissipation zone 2 is designed to have a suitable layout and depth for bathers to access and enter the dissipation zone. In one embodiment of the invention, the dissipation zone has a downward slope and a depth of 1.4 meters at its deepest point. Preferably, the dissipation zone comprises a downward slope from the periphery 12 towards the lower surface at an angle a which results in a slope of up to 15% to achieve safe entry into the large body of water, and so that it is suitable for bathers to remain in that zone. In an alternative embodiment, the dissipation zone 2 is designed to have a depth of 1.6 metres at its deepest point, and more preferably 1.8 metres at its deepest point.

c) One or more inlet nozzles: The dissipation zone 2 comprises one or more inlet nozzles 26 located within said zone to provide a flow of water towards the dissipation zone 2, which together with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or horizontal and vertical temperature differences of the water in the body of water, will cause the movement of water and the renewal of said volume of water contained in the dissipation zone 2 that is open to the sedimentation zone 1.

In one embodiment of the invention, the location, design and configuration of one or more inlet nozzles 26 may be varied to achieve different types of water renewal patterns within the dissipation zone. The one or more inlet nozzles 26 may be located along any section of the dissipation zone, such as its periphery and/or center. In a particular embodiment, the one or more inlet nozzles 26 may be configured to add an effective amount of a chlorine disinfectant into the dissipation zone in order to maintain a free chlorine concentration of at least 0.5 mg/L free chlorine level described in (a).

Dissipation zone 2 is the zone designated to have a high density of bathers, where at least 80% and more preferably at least 90% of the total number of bathers within the large water body 3 are present in dissipation zone 2 with a maximum density of 1 bather per 2 m2, preferably a maximum density of 1 bather per 4 m²· more preferably a maximum density of 1 bather per 6 m² and most preferably a maximum density of 1 bather per 8 m²Such 80% and 90% are calculated as a daily average, taking into account the total number of bathers entering the water body 3, and where at least 80% and more preferably 90% of said bathers are located in the dissipation zone 2.

The combination of the elements of the dissipation zone 2 in relation to the depth, geometry and one or more inlet nozzles 26, together with the natural influence of the water currents produced by the winds and/or the horizontal and vertical temperature differences of the water in the body of water, will cause the movement of the water and the dissipation of the volume of water contained in the dissipation zone 2 towards the sedimentation zone 1, in addition to providing continuous disinfection within said dissipation zone 2 as described in (a).

Surprisingly, it has been discovered that the efficient, low-cost sanitary method of the present invention addresses the technical inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies for maintaining sanitary and safe conditions in large bodies of water by combining the technical features of a direct contact recreational dissipation zone 2, providing a particular and efficient water dissipation pattern, as well as a permanent minimum amount of disinfectant, which in the event of a contamination event can safely and timely inactivate and dissipate hazardous microorganisms to a settling zone 1 that is primarily intended for direct recreational contact purposes, where said settling zone 1 is not physically separated from the dissipation zone 2 and which is configured to inactivate microorganisms by a CT disinfection method, as well as to flocculate and remove them efficiently and safely, at low cost.

There are currently no methods or systems that can address the technical inefficiencies of conventional swimming pools in an efficient and low-cost manner for large bodies of water such as those of the present invention, which combine the effects of an efficient water dissipation pattern and a minimum standard of disinfection in the area intended for direct contact recreational purposes, with a sedimentation zone 1 that is configured to inactivate, flocculate and remove previously dissipated hazardous contaminants and/or microorganisms from the dissipation zone. Although some large bodies of water, such as natural swimming lakes, can somewhat recreate a dissipation pattern, these lack the technical features of the present invention, namely: a dissipation zone 2 having a permanent minimum concentration of a disinfectant and a particular and efficient dissipation pattern, as well as a sedimentation zone 1 combining the application of a CT disinfection method with the application of flocculating agents that allow adequate inactivation and elimination of contaminants and/or microorganisms to maintain a sanitary and safe area for recreational purposes.

Therefore, the combined disinfection methods, efficient diffusion pattern, and sedimentation capacity of water bodies according to the present invention create unprecedented safe environments for aquatic recreational purposes that have not been described or applied before and that overcome the inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies and those of large partially treated water bodies. thus allowing the creation of recreational water bodies that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others, thus solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative and low-cost way.

As mentioned above, the dissipation zone 2 is configured to create an effective diffusion pattern z of the volume within the dissipation zone 2 due to the combined effect of the one or more inlet nozzles 26 that inject a flow of water into said zone, and together with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or horizontal and vertical water temperature differences of the water body, They create a water flow and an efficient diffusion pattern within the dissipation zone 2 that forces said volume of water to leave the dissipation zone 2 and cross into the sedimentation zone 1. The circulation created by one or more inlet nozzles 26 and the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or horizontal and vertical differences in water temperature in the body of water, contribute to generating a dissipation rate in said dissipation zone 2, as the water flows entering said zone push the volume of water towards the exit of the dissipation zone 2 and reach the sedimentation zone 1. Therefore, there is a dissipation pattern that allows to renew the volume of water contained within the dissipation zone 2 according to the configuration and capacity of one or more inlet nozzles 26, on the natural influence of the water currents produced by the winds and/or the horizontal and vertical distribution of the water temperature in the body of water, as well as in the presence of an open hydraulic connection to the sedimentation zone.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the water body may be subject to stronger winds that may influence the dissipation pattern within the dissipation zone. In such a case, the circulation created by one or more inlet nozzles within the dissipation zone may be adjusted as necessary to maintain a suitable dissipation pattern. For example, when winds positively influence the dissipation pattern within the dissipation zone, the water flow from one or more inlet nozzles may be minimized or completely suppressed if the dissipation pattern created by the winds is sufficient to generate the necessary dissipation of water volume from the dissipation zone to the settling zone. On the other hand, when winds negatively influence the dissipation pattern within the dissipation zone, the water flow from one or more inlet nozzles can be adjusted to generate the necessary dissipation of the water volume from the dissipation zone to the sedimentation zone.

This is a clear advantage compared to conventional swimming pools, as swimming pools do not have a separate dissipation zone 2 to create a dissipation pattern, and therefore in the method of the present invention by combining a permanent residual disinfectant concentration and an efficient dissipation pattern in the dissipation zone 2, This area can withstand massive use by bathers without compromising the sanitary quality of the area due to the fact that in the event of contamination, the microorganisms can be dissipated in a more efficient and safe manner compared to a conventional pool.

By having an efficient dissipation pattern, when a contamination event occurs, for example, contamination introduced by new bathers with infectious microorganisms or by other means, said contamination can be dissipated from dissipation zone 2 to sedimentation zone 1 for inactivation and/or elimination. In the context of the invention, a contamination event is defined as any event where organic or inorganic substances that represent a risk to the health of bathers or microorganisms enter the body of water.

The efficient dissipation pattern of the present invention is different from conventional swimming pools, where any contamination introduced by new infected bathers or by an infection event can remain in the same confined water volume for hours or even longer before it is removed or adequately inactivated, causing a potential risk to other bathers. As mentioned above, certain microorganisms are highly resistant to conventional pool filtration and disinfection methods and can therefore survive many hours or even days within the pool water volume before being eliminated.

It is important to mention that, although the method and system of the present invention do not require filtering the entire volume of water at the rates required by conventional swimming pools (i.e., one to six times per day), the use of conventional filtration systems can be used as an additional treatment to the water body. Such use may be due to local regulatory requirements or decisions of the owner/developer. The use of a conventional water body filtration system is compatible with the method and system of the present invention, however, the water flows in the sedimentation zone should allow for adequate sedimentation of the particles. However, the use of a conventional filtration system as an additional treatment for the water body may entail higher construction and operating costs and can therefore be implemented in water bodies having a volume preferably of up to 50,000 m3.

Furthermore, although it is not necessary to maintain a permanent level of free chlorine in the sedimentation zone, such levels may be required by local regulations or by the decisions of the owner, which are not incompatible with the method and system of the present invention.

The permanent chlorine level in dissipation zone 2 may be achieved by the use of chlorine tablets, by applying diluted chlorine through one or more inlet nozzles 26 located in dissipation zone 2, or by manually adding chlorine to said zone in an amount effective to maintain at least a free chlorine level of 0.5 mg/L.

In one embodiment of the invention, water injected into the dissipation zone 2 through one or more inlet nozzles 26 is treated with ultraviolet (UV) light.

In one embodiment of the invention, the water body comprises a plurality of separate dissipation zones 2, preferably located along the periphery 12 of the water body 3 and open to the sedimentation zone 1, wherein the dissipation zones 2 are used for swimming, bathing, and other direct contact recreational purposes, while sedimentation zone 1 has an aesthetic purpose and is primarily intended for secondary recreational purposes of recreational contact.

For the settling zone 1, a targeted cleaning of the bottom surface to remove settled particles and fallen debris is not essential, since said zone may have a more natural appearance, such as natural lakes and lagoons, where the bottom surface may have a darker hue than the bottom surface in the dissipation zone 2. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of the settling zone 1 is cleaned at least once every 7 days. However, other time periods may be employed. In one embodiment of the invention, a bottom surface cleaning device is provided for cleaning a bottom surface.

The dissipation zone 2 requires periodic cleaning of the bottom surface to keep the bottom surface free of particles that may generate an aesthetic, safety or sanitary impact on the water. In addition, said zone must be cleaned periodically to avoid any resuspension of sedimented microorganisms. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom surface of the dissipation zone 2 is cleaned at least once every 72 hours. However, other time periods may be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, the settling zone 1 is limited to an even lower density of bathers of less than 10% of the total bathers present in the large body of water 3. In other preferred embodiments, the settling zone 1 does not allow the presence of bathers for direct contact recreational purposes and is configured to allow only the practice of water sports for secondary contact purposes.

The ratio of the volume contained within the dissipation zone 2 to the volume contained within the sedimentation zone 1 is preferably 1:2, more preferably 1:10, even more preferably 1:30 and most preferably 1:40, wherein said ratio is calculated as the sum of all the volumes of water contained within the dissipation zones 2, divided by the volume of water in the sedimentation zone 1.

In one embodiment of the invention, water from the sedimentation zone 1 and which has already been treated, can be extracted from the sedimentation zone 1 and sent to the dissipation zone 2. Said water can be partially or completely mixed with make-up water.

In addition to minimizing the risk of microorganism growth, the present invention also removes particulate and contaminants that are susceptible to flocculation. In one embodiment of the invention, the flocculating agents may be selected from the group comprising organic and inorganic flocculants. Preferably, the flocculating agents are selected from inorganic flocculants comprising synthetic polymers, cationic quaternary ammonium polymers, polycationic polymers, aluminum salts, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the flocculants added to the settling zone 1 are selected from the group comprising a canonical or anionic polymeric flocculant and mixtures thereof and are preferably added to the settling zone 1 at least once every 7 days at a rate of 0.03 to 3.0 g per m3 of water volume of the settling zone 1.

Referring to Figure 5, a functional block diagram is shown illustrating the various components that may be used in connection with one embodiment of the present invention. The large body of water is shown at designation 3. It will be appreciated that while the shape of the body of water in Figure 5 is shown as four-sided, the shape is illustrative only. Other embodiments are illustrated in Figures 1-3. The sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2 are shown as designated portions of the large water body 3. The Emitter for the delimitation means 4, which is not a physical barrier, is shown at the meeting or intersection point of the sedimentation zone 1 and the dissipation zone 2. The periphery 12 extends around the edge of the large water body 3.

Inlet water to pump 25 is provided from dissipation zone 2, treated water from sedimentation zone 1, and any required or desired makeup water from block 27. The amount of water from the various locations can be adjusted based on establishing the proper current/flow within the large body of water 3, and evaporation, among other factors. The pump 25 supplies water to the one or more inlet nozzles 26, which together with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or horizontal and vertical water temperature differences of the water body, establish the current or flow (indicated by the plurality of arrows 14) from the dissipation zone 2 to the sedimentation zone 1. The chemical dosing system 29 provides chemicals to the pump 25 and optionally provides chemicals directly to the dissipation zone 2.

The chemical dosing system 19 comprising one or more inlet nozzles provides the chemicals required for the settling zone 1. For example, the chemical dosing system 19 provides the disinfectant required for the desired CT cycle and the flocculant composition. The chemical dosing system 19, comprising one or more inlet nozzles may be extended to additional lengths or positions along the periphery 12 for treatment based on the size of the bulk water body 3. Treated water may also be drawn from the settling zone 1 via a pump 30 to the pump 25 or to the chemical dosing system 19.

Referring now to Figure 6, a schematic cross section of a portion of the dissipation zone 2 is illustrated. The periphery 12 is shown as the demarcation between the shore or edge 15 and the water within the large body of water 3. The downward slope from the periphery 12 to the bottom surface is preferably at an angle a which results in a slope of up to 15%. This provides an entry to the water 16 from shore 15 that is safe and generally comfortable for bathers entering the water.

The Pollution Reduction Index (CRI) is an index calculated based on a standardized protocol developed in the present disclosure to represent the sanitary and safety conditions of a body of water treated in accordance with the method of the invention.

In the context of the invention, the Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) is an index that determines the time in minutes required to dissipate a sample of an aqueous solution outside a defined water zone. In particular, the Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) indicates the time in minutes counted from the moment a sample of a dyed solution is added to a particular point within a dissipation zone 2 until the dyed solution dissipates and is no longer visually detectable in said dissipation zone 2.

The Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) represents the time it will take for an aqueous contaminant introduced by a bather or other means into a dissipation zone 2 to dissipate from that dissipation zone 2 to the sedimentation zone 1. The CRI is therefore an appropriate and objective standard to assess the capacity of such a water zone to dissipate a contaminant in a short period of time towards the sedimentation zone 1, where said contaminant can be subsequently inactivated, flocculated and eliminated from the sedimentation zone 1, thus maintaining sanitary and safe conditions in the event of a contamination event.

The CRI, which measures the time from the moment a sample of a specific dye solution is added to dissipation zone 2 until it is no longer visually detectable in dissipation zone 2, depends on several factors. In the context of the present invention, the CRI of the dissipation zone 2 is mainly influenced by: the presence of an open connection to a sedimentation zone 1, the arrangement of one or more inlet nozzles injecting a flow of water into the dissipation zone 2 and the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or horizontal and vertical water temperature differences of the water body.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dissipation zone 2 is configured to allow a Pollution Reduction Index (CRI) of up to 30 minutes, more preferably up to 25 minutes, more preferably up to 20 minutes and even more preferably up to 15 minutes and even more preferably up to 10 minutes.

The CRI can be determined in several ways, either from qualitative and/or quantitative data and analysis.

In one embodiment, information regarding the time required to complete dissipation of a sample of a dyeing solution may be obtained qualitatively by visual inspection, methods based on experience, or projections through estimates. In another embodiment, information regarding the time required to complete dissipation of a sample of a dyeing solution may be obtained from one or more manual or automatic monitoring devices.

The standardized protocol for determining the Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) according to the present invention comprises evaluating the time required for a water zone (a dissipation zone 2) of 144 m3 to dissipate 7L of a dyed aqueous solution comprising 30 g/L of carmine (natural red 4) and 77 g/L of NaCl out of said water zone until the dyed solution is no longer visually detectable in said water zone. While the test is being performed, and to ensure visual detection of the dyed solution in Dissipation Zone 2, the water zone must be free of chemicals that may reduce dye detection, such as chlorine and other disinfecting agents. After the test is completed, the chemicals must be reset according to Dissipation Zone 2 specifications.

The Contamination Reduction Index (CRI) therefore provides an objective projection of the efficient water dissipation patterns of the dissipation zone 2 according to the present invention, which combined with a permanent minimum disinfectant concentration, as well as an open connection to a sedimentation zone 1 which is configured to inactivate, flocculate and remove hazardous microorganisms, among other factors, It provides sanitary and safe conditions for large bodies of water for direct contact recreational purposes.

The combined disinfection methods, efficient diffusion pattern, and sedimentation capacity of water bodies according to the present invention create unprecedented safe environments for aquatic recreational purposes that have not been described or applied before and that overcome the inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies and partly treated large bodies of water, thus allowing the creation of recreational water bodies that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others, thus solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative way and at low cost.

In addition to the above, the method of the present invention also allows for reduced costs compared to conventional pool systems and methods, where for example a conventional 2 hectare pool would require an annual operating cost of up to US$1.9MM considering chemical use and electricity use, while the method of the present invention would bring an annual operating cost of less than US 1 140,000 (also considering chemical and energy costs) up to a 90% reduction in annual maintenance costs.

Furthermore, the method of the present invention makes it possible to minimize the risk of contamination by microorganisms that current technologies are not able to treat. As mentioned above, conventional swimming pool technologies or partial treatment technologies for artificial water bodies do not allow to efficiently provide sanitary conditions and are not able to inactivate and/or eliminate microorganisms that cause recreational water diseases or other infections that could even lead to fatal outcomes. On the other hand, the method of the present invention, in addition to having low capital and operating costs, allows inactivating and/or eliminating microorganisms from recreational water bodies in an innovative way, generating a new concept of water sanitation at low costs.

By using the method of the present invention, optimal sedimentation and sanitary conditions are achieved, where the sedimentation zone 1 is designed to efficiently sediment the microorganisms contained within said volume of water of the sedimentation zone 1, and where the dissipation zone 2 allows to maintain sanitary and safe conditions for a high density of bathers at low cost.

Referring to Fig. 7, an overview is provided of the steps designated at 700 in an embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention. The steps illustrated in Fig. 7 need not be carried out in the same order illustrated.

First in step 701, a sedimentation zone 1 and a dissipation zone 2 are designated within the same large water body 3. The two zones are not separated by a physical barrier and the ratio of the volume of water contained within the dissipation zone 2 to the volume contained within the sedimentation zone 1 is 1:2 to 1:40. In addition to allowing for disinfection and sedimentation, sedimentation zone 1 also serves an aesthetic purpose and is primarily used for water sports for secondary contact purposes. It is therefore designed to have a lower bather density than dissipation zone 2, where, on a daily average, no more than 20% of the total number of bathers within the large water body 3 are present in sedimentation zone 1. Dissipation zone 2 is used for direct contact purposes such as swimming and bathing. It is designed to have a high bather density, where on a daily average at least 80% of the total number of bathers within the large water body 3 are present in dissipation zone 2 with a maximum density of 1 bather per 2 m2.

Next, in block 702, a disinfection method based on a CT index is applied to the water volume in settling zone 1. The CT index requires that settling zone 1 be treated by the addition of disinfectant agents to achieve a specific concentration C of the disinfectant for a minimum contact time of T in the entire water volume of settling zone 1. The disinfection method is carried out in such a way that the disinfectant agents are applied to the volume of water contained in the sedimentation zone 1 to achieve a CT index of at least 42 every 72 hours.

In block 703, an efficient amount of a flocculant composition is applied to the settling zone 1. The flocculant assists in the settling of various microorganisms and/or contaminants that are present in the settling zone 1. As water flows and circulates within the settling zone 1, the water is preferably maintained at a to allow for proper settling.

In block 704, a permanent residual chlorine level is maintained in the water volume of dissipation zone 2 by adding an efficient amount of chlorine such that a level of at least 0.5 mg/L of free chlorine is maintained in the water volume contained within dissipation zone 2.

In block 705, it injects water into the dissipation zone by means of one or more inlet nozzles which, together with the natural currents produced by the winds and/or the differences in water temperature, allow generating a dissipation pattern of the volume of water within the dissipation zone 2 in the sedimentation zone 1. The dissipation zone 2 is configured to allow a contamination reduction index (CRI) of up to 30 minutes.

5. EXAMPLE I

In order to demonstrate the technical effect of the present invention, the following tests were carried out:

Figure 3 shows a water body 3 having a sedimentation zone 1 and a dissipation zone 2 according to the present invention, wherein the dissipation zone 2 comprises a nozzle system and has a residual chlorine concentration of approximately 0.5 mg/l. Figure 3 shows the estimated location of the delimitation means 4, represented as a dotted line, which is not a physical barrier and also represents an adjacent (but completely independent) pool (7) having conventional pool technology, i.e. not having a separation of dissipation 2 and sedimentation 1 zones according to the present invention.

Figure 4 A shows that at = 0.7L of a red dyed solution (5) comprising 30 g/L of natural red dye 4 and 77 g/L of NaCl was added directly to a point located in the dissipation zone 2 of the water body 3 to determine the CRI of said zone and to emulate, for example, the behavior of an aqueous fecal contamination or other type of contamination occurring in the dissipation zone 2, which is the zone mainly used for swimming, bathing, and direct contact for recreational purposes. Figure 4A also shows that an equivalent amount of a second red-dyed solution (6) was added at one location within the adjacent pool (7).

At t = 0, the water nozzles in dissipation zone 2 were activated while the pool's standard recirculation systems (7) were operated according to their standard operating parameters.

At t = 5 minutes (Figure 4 B), it is observed that the red-stained solution dissipates rapidly in sedimentation zone 1 while in pool (7) the presence of the red-stained solution does not seem to have decreased since t = 0.

At — 10 min and at t = 16 min (Figure 4 C and 4 D, respectively) there is a significantly less visible presence of the red-stained solution (5) in the dissipation zone 2, while the pool (7) still shows a substantial amount of the red-stained solution (6).

At t = 20 min and at t = 25 min (Figure 4 E and 4 F, respectively), the red-stained solution (6) was still visibly present in pool (7) while there is no visible presence of the red-stained solution (6) ¡ in dissipation zone 2. Figure 4G shows that at t = 60, the red-stained solution (ó) is visibly present in pool (7).

At the end of the test, it was determined that sedimentation zone 2 of the example presented a CR1 of 20 minutes, while pool (7) presented a CRI of 100 minutes, both indices represent the time in minutes until there is no visual presence of the red-dyed solution.

The above allows us to predict that in the event of a contamination event (for example, aqueous fecal contamination or other type of contamination) occurring in a body of water according to the present invention, the dissipation zone 2, together with the natural influence of water currents produced by winds and/or temperature differences in the body of water, It is capable of safely and efficiently dissipating such contamination which could comprise dangerous microorganisms in a sedimentation zone 1 for subsequent inactivation, flocculation and removal in a short period of time, thus minimizing the risk of bathers becoming infected with dangerous microorganisms. Furthermore, since the dissipation zone 2 is configured to have a residual free chlorine concentration of at least 0.5 mg/L, said dissipation zone 2 can allow massive use by bathers without compromising the sanitary quality of said zone due to the fact that in case of contamination, Microorganisms can be dissipated in a more efficient and safe manner compared to conventional pools while maintaining sanitary and safe conditions in dissipation zone 2, which is the area used for direct contact recreational purposes. In the same scenario, when fecal contamination or traces of dangerous microorganisms occur in a conventional swimming pool (7), the contamination will remain for a long period in the water volume, increasing the risk of bathers being infected by such dangerous microorganisms.

Therefore, the combined disinfection methods, efficient diffusion pattern and sedimentation capacity of water bodies according to the present invention have been shown to create unprecedented and safer environments for aquatic recreational purposes compared to swimming pool technologies, thus enabling the creation of recreational water bodies. that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others, thus solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative way and at low cost.

6. EXAMPLE II

An artificial lake built in Florida, United States, with a total surface area of ​​approximately 7 acres (2.8 hectares) was highly contaminated during the filling process with water due to the presence of a nearby sand pile containing organic matter that was blown into the lake. Following laboratory testing, dangerous microorganisms, in particular Crystosporiditm oocysts, were identified in the water, which remained present in the water even after several weeks of contamination.

The method according to the present invention was applied to the artificial lake.

The artificial lake was designated to include two distinct zones: one zone for direct contact recreational purposes designated as Dissipation Zone 2 and a second zone for secondary contact recreational purposes, i.e. for aesthetic purposes and for the practice of water sports designated as Sedimentation Zone 1. The volume ratio between the dissipation zone and the sedimentation zone was designed to be approximately 1:6 and sedimentation zone 1 comprised a depth of 2 meters at its deepest point, allowing for efficient settlement of microorganisms.

The following parameters were applied to the artificial lake:

- Sodium hypochlorite was added to dissipation zone 2 to achieve a permanent residual chlorine concentration of at least 0.5 mg/L free chlorine.

- The nozzles located on the periphery 12 of the dissipation zone were activated with an average water flow of 30 m3/hour.

- A CT-based disinfection treatment was applied by adding chlorine to settling zone 1 to achieve a CT index of 42 over a 72-hour interval in settling zone 1.

- A composition comprising a cationic polymeric flocculant was added to the sedimentation zone 1 such that 1.5 g/m3 of water volume was incorporated over a period of 7 days.

- Water flows were kept to a minimum in sedimentation zone 1, thereby minimizing disturbance to the sedimentation process.

Following application of the method of the present invention, laboratory tests were performed and no Crystosporidium oocysts were identified, a result that was confirmed in two subsequent tests as summarized in the following Table 2.

Table 2

<td>Sample location</td><td>Appearance of water</td><td>Smell</td><td>pH</td><td>Ooástos of christoporodium</td>

<td>Sedimentation zone 1</td><td>Clara</td><td>No</td><td> 8.28</td><td>Not detected</td>

<td>Dissipation zone dosing line 2</td><td>Clara</td><td>No</td><td> 8,30</td><td>Not detected</td>

Furthermore, as shown in the following Table 3, all water samples complied with even stricter physical, chemical and microbiological water quality standards, such as Chilean Standard 5 NCh 409/1 2005 (Drinking Water) for water requirements.

Table 3

<td colspan="2">Norm NCh 409/1 2006</td><td>Sample area</td><td>Sample area</td>

<td>Test</td><td>Standard</td><td>Area of Sedimentation 1</td><td>Area of Dissipation 2, dosing line 1</td>

<td>Turbidity (NTU)</td><td> &lt; 20</td><td> 0.8</td><td> 0.5</td>

<td>True Color (Pt - Co)</td><td> &lt; 20</td><td> &lt; 5</td><td> &lt; 5</td>

<td>Total Coliform NMP bacteria/100mL</td><td>Exempt</td><td> &lt; 2</td><td> &lt; 2</td>

<td>Eecherichia coli NMP/100mL</td><td>Exempt</td><td> &lt; 2</td><td> &lt; 2</td>

* &lt; 2 = undetectable

This example confirms that the method according to the present invention provides an efficient, low-cost and sanitary method for providing large bodies of water with two different treatment zones for direct contact recreational purposes, allowing to minimize the risk of growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebae, microalgae and parasites, among others. thus solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative and low-cost way.

The combined disinfection methods, efficient diffusion pattern, and sedimentation capacity of water bodies according to the present invention create unprecedented safe environments for aquatic recreational purposes that have not been described or applied before and that overcome the inefficiencies of conventional swimming pool technologies and partly treated large bodies of water, thus allowing the creation of recreational water bodies that minimize the risk of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, amoebas, microalgae and parasites, among others, thus solving the inefficiencies of current methods and systems in an innovative way and at low cost.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described, other embodiments may exist. Furthermore, any disclosed step or method step may be modified in any manner, including by reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps, without departing from the invention. While the specification includes a detailed description and associated drawings, the scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, although the specification has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are described as illustrative aspects and embodiments of the invention. Various other aspects, embodiments, modifications and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may be suggested to one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention or the scope of the claimed subject matter.