Embodiments of the present subject matter provide a biocidal composition comprising an aqueous mixture of (a) a phosphonium compound and (b) a polymeric ammonium compound, wherein the weight ratio of compound (a) to compound (b) is from 0.2:1 to 20:1, and wherein the phosphonium compound (a) has a given formula and the polymeric ammonium compound (b) comprises a given repeat unit.