The present invention provides a device for producing a water treatment solution from a solid chemical block for distribution into a water system selected from the group comprising an institutional water system and an industrial water system. The device includes a housing to contain the solid chemical block. A fluid, preferably water at ambient temperature, is introduced into the housing to dissolve the block and form a liquid solution that may then be dispensed into either an institutional water system or an industrial water system. A method of dispensing the liquid solution with the device is also provided.