■ Has it stopped being "coliform bacteria"? At the time of the revision in the first year of Reiwa, the guideline for bathing water referred to coliform bacteria. The current guideline has changed to Escherichia coli, and the testing method for coliform bacteria in the sewage quality standards examines samples without dilution. Be careful not to use the names of items from old materials as they are. ■ Are there two ways to measure organic matter? Organic matter is assessed either by TOC or by potassium permanganate consumption. However, in cases where it is inappropriate to apply TOC values, such as when disinfected with chlorinated isocyanuric acid, it is stipulated to use the potassium permanganate consumption value. ■ Items that can be excluded for hot spring water When using hot spring water or well water, if it is difficult to meet the standards and there is no risk of health hazards, the standards for turbidity and organic matter may not be applied. Coliform bacteria and Legionella species are not included in this treatment. ■ How many times a year should inspections be conducted? 1. Bathtubs that do not use filters and are completely drained daily: at least once a year 2. Bathtubs used continuously: at least twice a year 3. Bathtubs used continuously and not disinfected with chlorine: at least four times a year Results must be kept for three years from the date of inspection.

■What are the daily chlorine management guidelines? The free residual chlorine concentration should be measured frequently, typically maintained at around 0.4 mg/L, and efforts should be made not to exceed a maximum of 1 mg/L. When disinfecting with combined chlorine monochloramine, it should be around 3 mg/L. The measurement results should be kept for three years. ■Is disinfection alone not enough?! Microorganisms that contaminate bathwater grow from organic matter from bathers and form biofilms on filters, bathtubs, and the inner walls of pipes. The bacteria within the biofilm are protected from chlorine agents, so simply disinfecting the bathwater will not eliminate them. Therefore, the filter should be backwashed at least once a week to remove and disinfect the biofilm in the filter and circulation pipes. ■Where to add chlorine agents and daily inspections In circulation-type bathtubs, chlorine-based agents are added just before the filter. In addition to checking the remaining amount in the chemical tank, it is necessary to verify daily that the dosing pump is functioning properly and that the chemical is being injected. This is because the injection may stop due to clogging of the nozzle or air entrapment in the injection valve. The injection valve should also be cleaned regularly. We also offer consultations regarding sodium hypochlorite for bathwater and dosing pumps at Torii. Please feel free to reach out to us first.