1907 - The first ozonation plant

In 1905 a major technological discovery - using ozone gas to sterilize water - will complement or replace the use of chlorine.

It will be used for the first time at Compagnie Générale des Eaux's Bon Voyage water treatment plant in Nice.

In 1907, after completing his thesis, Marius-Paul Otto establishes Compagnie des Eaux et de l'Ozone - the first company to promote the use of ozone to sterilize drinking water.

During the coming century constant advances in research and development will lead to innovative techniques such as activated carbon adsorption, ultraviolet rays and finally membrane filtration including nanofiltration.

The first industrial use of this cutting-edge technology will take place at Méry-sur-Oise in 1999 for the greater benefit of those living in the Paris suburbs.