Ozone is a bluish, colored gas that has a boiling point of -112 oC. At atmospheric pressure, ozone can partially dissolve in water. At standard pressure and temperature, the solubility of ozone is thirteen times that of oxygen.

Ozone is a very strong disinfectant and oxidizer. Any pathogen or contaminant that can be disinfected, altered or removed via an oxidation process will be affected by ozone. It is the strongest of all molecules available for disinfection in water treatment and is second only to elemental fluorine in oxidizing power. Compared to chlorine, the most common water disinfection chemical, ozone is a more than 50% stronger oxidizer and acts over 3,000 times faster. Because of this, it can reduce other chemical loading in treatment facilities.

Ozone can be used as a disinfectant, decolorize, deodorizer, detoxifier, precipitant, coagulant and for removing tastes. Consequently, the use of ozone should be considered when there is a need to address any of these problems, and particularly when there is suspicion of water-born pathogens.