Hidden Threats in Grooming Water Systems

In July, I revamped my mobile unit, which included replacing many garden hoses with reinforced clear tubing. However, upon inspection after a week of vacation, I noticed a concerning sight: a tube riddled with bacterial growth fueled by the minerals in water. This occurrence highlights a hidden threat in water systems, especially with solid hoses where such growth may go unnoticed. A few years ago there were numerous articles about how dentists’ water systems were infected in this manner. I had never thought about how this might affect our industry, but it obviously does.

The Solution:

To combat this issue comprehensively, I turned to a tried-and-tested solution: bleach. Renowned for its potent bacteria-killing properties, bleach effectively eradicates any microbial presence in the system. You may choose other cleaners like odoban if you are not an advocate of using bleach as a disinfectant.

Cleaning Solution Dilutions:

• For precise dilution and application guidelines, referencing reputable sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is crucial. The WHO recommends a certain concentration and contact time
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK214356/#:~:text=Bleach%20is%20a%20strong%20and,contact%20time%20(see%20Table%20G.
• OSHA suggests a higher dosage
  • https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/general_decontamination_fact.pdf
• Most commonly, a ratio of 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water is recommended, though individual circumstances may warrant adjustments. Personally, I opted for the 1 cup per gallon formula, factoring in the soak time required

Cleaning Procedure:

• After filling my 65-gallon fresh water tank, I added the appropriate amount of bleach and ran the hose back into the tank, ensuring thorough mixing
• Run your pump for 15 minutes to ensured equal distribution of the disinfecting solution before letting it sit for 24 hours

Additional Steps it you have a Recirculation Bathing System:

• Run enough water into your tub to cover all hoses used for bathing or filling when they are laid in the bottom of the tub. If using a riser, you may want to remove it while cleansing the system. I prefer to leave the riser in place so as to disinfect it also
• Run your recirculation pump for 5 minutes to ensure distribution of the cleaning solution

Flushing the System:

• To flush out the treated water and residual contaminants, draining the system is essential. This can be achieved via the drain or by running water through the tub
• Subsequently, refilling the clean water tank and running approximately 15 gallons of water through the tub helps clear any remaining traces of cleaning product

Additional Flushing Steps if you have a Recirculation Bathing System:

• Drain your tub of all the water used for cleansing the system
• Add clean water to the tub. Use at least twice the amount of water you normally use when bathing a dog
• Run your recirculation system for 5 minutes

The Result:

With these steps completed, the system is primed for safe and sanitary operation.