Chlorine vs. Chloramines: What’s the Difference?
Two commonly used chemicals for disinfecting water are chlorine and chloramines. Though both play crucial roles in keeping our drinking water safe, their composition, effectiveness, and impact on water quality differ. Let’s compare the two to help you understand their unique characteristics. 1. Composition: What’s in Them? Chlorine: A powerful, elemental disinfectant, chlorine (Cl₂), is […]
Using Free Chlorine to Treat Drinking Water: Benefits and Challenges with Stable Residual and Stratification
Disinfection is a crucial step in drinking water treatment, and free chlorine is one of the most widely used disinfectants due to its efficacy in killing pathogens at a relatively low cost. When used correctly, chlorine provides a robust line of defense against waterborne diseases, helping maintain the quality and safety of drinking water. However, […]
Understanding the Breakpoint Chlorination Curve
The challenges in achieving breakpoint chlorination, a process where the addition of ammonia and chlorine to water continues until the chlorine demand is satisfied and a residual is achieved, are as follows: 1. Variability in Water Quality One of the most significant challenges in achieving breakpoint chlorination is the natural variability of the water itself. […]
Removing Trihalomethanes From Municipal Ground Reservoirs
Due to multiple factors, trihalomethanes (THMs) can be challenging for municipalities. After being treated with chlorine, potable water will have a fair amount of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) that can impact the health of the community that the water department serves. Long-term exposure to high levels of THMs has been associated with health risks, making their […]