Abstract: The present process proceeds from an aqueous reaction solution containing a chlorite and a halogen-free oxidizing agent which is present in an excess of up to double the required stoichiometric amount. The pH of the reaction solution is set at between 5.5 and 9.5, preferably between 6 and 9, and the reaction solution is reacted at ambient temperature until almost all the chlorite has been converted into chlorine dioxide. In this way a chlorine dioxide-containing solution is obtained which is free not only from residual chlorite but also from chlorate and other undesirable by-products and can be used directly as such in water treatment. Preferably an aqueous chlorite solution with a pH or more than 9.5 and an aqueous solution of the oxidizing agent are mixed with one another in order to produce the reaction solution, the pH of the aqueous reaction mixture being adjusted by means of a proton donor present in the oxidizing agent solution.