BrO₃-. An inorganic anion, bromate is tasteless and colourless, with a low volatility. As a moderately strong oxidant, bromate is reactive.
Normally, bromate is not found in nature, but it is a water disinfection byproduct. It is formed during ozonation when ozone used to disinfect drinking water reacts with (oxidises) naturally occurring bromide ions. Bromate is the main cause for concern of ozonation as water treatment method. The amount of bromate produced is influenced by the amount of (naturally occurring) bromide in the water.