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Chlorine is the most thought of mineral
in water when associating oneself with mineral composition.
Its role is quite simple, it is used as a germicide.
The use of chlorine produces a sustained residual disinfection action
meaning that microorganisms that find their way into the water system a long
distance from the original treatment (chlorination) point will be killed.
Other important functions of chlorine are:
reduction in unwanted taste and odor, acts as a biological growth control meaning chlorine
will eliminate slime bacteria, molds and algae.
Lastly, chlorine in water treatment destroys hydrogen sulfide and removes
ammonia and other nitrogenous compounds that have unpleasant tastes and hinder
disinfection.
Physical
Factors that may Influence
Chlorine Disinfection of
Potable
Water
pH
Chlorine is most effective when the pH of the water
is 7.4
Maintain water pH between 7.2 and 7.6
Total
Dissolved Solids and Suspended Solids
The amount of solids dissolved in the water
(primarily minerals) should be maintained well below 1,500 ppm if possible.
Solids in water that are not dissolved (suspended
solids) are likely to react with added chlorine.
These solids may include rust particles and organic matter.
When chlorine oxidizes organic matter, numerous
chemical compounds are produced and the chlorine is no longer readily available
to kill bacteria. Water should be
well filtered to remove as many solids as possible.
Water from the tap
should be tested for total solids and total dissolved solids to aid in
estimating the amount of chlorine needed to properly disinfect the water.
Total
Alkalinity
The alkalinity in water helps to maintain a constant
water pH. The proper water pH
allows the added chlorine to be most effective at killing bacteria.
Free
Available Chlorine
When first setting up a water treatment system and at
regular intervals afterwards, the water at the point of use should be tested
for free available chlorine. If the
amount of available chlorine, as measured at the point of use is not between
0.2 and 2.00 ppm, there is no assurance that the water system is being
adequately protected from microorganisms. The
chlorine may be consumed entirely before coming into contact with
reservoirs of bacteria further down the water distribution system.
Shocking the system sometimes referred to as
superchlorination oxidizes organic matter in the system, and eliminates
bacteria and algae that may be hiding in pipes, filters and pumps.
The goal of shocking or superchlorination is to remove all the material
in the water system that keeps chlorine from being available to kill bacteria
in the water. The sum of the free
available chlorine and combined available chlorine should approximate the
amount of chlorine being used to treat the water.
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Analysis is Ready to Test Your
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