5 Reasons Wastewater Plants are Switching to PAA in 2026
For decades, chlorine gas and sodium hypochlorite were the undisputed kings of wastewater disinfection. But as we move through 2026, the regulatory and safety landscape has shifted. Between tightening EPA limits on Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) and the rising costs of chemical risk management, plant managers are looking for a more stable, sustainable alternative.
At Brainerd Chemical Company, we’ve seen a surge in municipalities and industrial facilities adopting our Terrastat® line—a specialized PAA equilibrium mixture—to replace aging chlorine systems. Here are the five critical reasons why the “PAA Transition” is no longer a water treatment trend, but a standard for high-performing plants.
1. Elimination of Toxic Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
Chlorine’s biggest liability isn’t its cost; it’s its chemistry. When chlorine reacts with organic matter in effluent, it creates Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Haloacetic Acids (HAAs)—known carcinogens that are strictly monitored by the EPA.
The PAA Advantage: PAA decomposes into simple acetic acid (vinegar), water, and oxygen. It does not create halogenated DBPs. For plants struggling to meet stringent “Total Residual Chlorine” (TRC) limits, switching to PAA often removes the need for costly dechlorination chemicals like sodium bisulfite entirely.
2. Radical Improvement in Employee Safety
Managing chlorine gas requires heavy-duty Scba gear, complex leak detection systems, and high-stakes Risk Management Plans (RMP). Sodium hypochlorite, while safer than gas, is highly corrosive and prone to “off-gassing,” which can cause pump airlocks and hazardous spills.
The PAA Advantage: PAA is a liquid that is stable in storage and does not off-gas in the same manner as bleach. While it still requires proper handling (as any oxidizer does), it significantly lowers the RMP burden and reduces the physical footprint of safety equipment required on-site.
3. Reduced Infrastructure and Maintenance Costs
Chlorine systems are notoriously hard on equipment. The corrosive nature of bleach fumes eats through electrical panels, metal supports, and concrete over time. Furthermore, chlorine requires significant “contact time,” necessitating large, expensive contact chambers.
The PAA Advantage: PAA is a faster-acting disinfectant against specific pathogens. Many plants find they can increase their throughput without expanding their physical footprint because PAA achieves the required “kill” in less time than traditional methods.
Real-World Success: The PAA Shift in Action
- Case Study: The Mid-South Municipal Facility A municipal plant in the Oklahoma/Arkansas region faced consistent fines for exceeding TRC limits. By transitioning to Terrastat® PAA, they eliminated their dechlorination stage completely. The result? A 22% reduction in annual chemical spend and a 100% compliance record over the first 18 months.
- Case Study: Industrial Food Processor A large-scale poultry processor was struggling with the high organic load in their pre-treatment water. Chlorine was proving ineffective due to its sensitivity to pH levels. PAA, which remains effective across a wider pH range (3.0 to 9.0), allowed them to stabilize their discharge quality while reducing the amount of chemicals injected by 15%.
4. Environmental Stewardship and Aquatic Safety
Chlorine is highly toxic to fish and aquatic life, even at low concentrations. If a dechlorination system fails, the resulting “slug” of chlorine can cause devastating fish kills in receiving streams.
The PAA Advantage: Because PAA breaks down so rapidly into biodegradable components, the risk to downstream ecosystems is virtually zero. This makes it the preferred choice for plants discharging into sensitive watersheds or recreational waterways.
5. Simplified Regulatory Compliance
With the EPA’s 2026 focus on “Total Water Quality,” the paperwork associated with hazardous chemical storage is increasing.
The PAA Advantage: Using Brainerd’s Terrastat® line of products often allows facilities to stay below certain RMP thresholds that would otherwise be triggered by large-scale chlorine storage. We don’t just ship the chemical; our technical team helps you document the safety transition for your local regulators.
Decision Matrix: Is PAA Right for Your Plant?
Use this checklist to evaluate your current disinfection ROI.
| Feature | Chlorine/Bleach | Terrastat® PAA |
| EPA DBPs (THMs/HAAs) | High Risk | Zero |
| Dechlorination Required? | Yes | No |
| pH Sensitivity | High (Ineffective > 8.0) | Low (Effective up to 9.0) |
| Safety Regs (RMP) | Extensive | Minimal |
| Equipment Corrosion | Severe | Moderate |
The Brainerd Partnership
Transitioning to PAA is a strategic move, but it requires the right expertise. As a leader in high-hazard chemistry, Brainerd Chemical Company provides more than just the molecule. We provide the engineering support to ensure your feed systems are optimized for Terrastat®, ensuring you aren’t over-applying and wasting budget.
Ready to de-risk your plant? Reach out to Derk Pinkerton, Corporate Sales Supervisor – Water Treatment to learn more.
About Brainerd Chemical Company
Brainerd Chemical Company is a privately held chemical manufacturer and hybrid distributor specializing in high-hazard chemistries and complex supply chains. Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the company operates facilities across the United States and serves customers worldwide.
Media Inquiries
Brainerd Chemical Company
📞 +1 (918) 622-1214
