For more than 100 years, chlorine has played an essential role in water disinfection. In 1905, chlorination was an effective method in combating the typhoid epidemic in London. The process was quickly adopted in the United States and used throughout the 20th century. Today, the chlorination process is still a practical solution for source waters low in organics and low in difficult-to-treat microorganisms.
Chlorination refers to treatment using free chlorine, which is the common disinfection method if the source water is minimally contaminated with organics or contains a low concentration of difficult-to-treat microorganisms such as Giardia or Cryptosporidium. Although the pros and cons of disinfection with chlorine have been extensively debated, it remains the most widely used chemical for disinfection of water in the U.S. Chlorine is primarily used as a disinfectant but also serves as an oxidizing agent for taste and odor control, prevention of algal growths, maintaining clear filter media, removal of iron and manganese, destruction of hydrogen sulfide and improving coagulation.
According to the Safe Drinking Water Foundation :
“In cases where protozoan cysts are not a major concern, chlorination is a good disinfection method to use because it is inexpensive yet effective in disinfecting many other possibly present contaminants. The chlorination process is also fairly easy to implement, when compared to other water treatment methods. It is an effective method in water emergency situations as it can eliminate an overload of pathogens relatively quickly. An emergency water situation can be anything from a filter breakdown to a mixing of treated and raw water.”
With analytical testing, you can:
Learn how to use the Hach SL1000 Portable Parallel Analyzer for fast, accurate and easy field testing.
Chlorination is a multifaceted process that involves a variety of factors and every facility and operation is different. Whatever your needs, Hach® is ready to help with information, technology and support.
Explore the different types of chlorination parameters and methods below.
Free chlorine concentrations are tracked at several process points in the treatment system. Check the free chlorine level to provide maximum disinfection efficiency, to maintain adequate levels for CT credits and to deliver the desired free chlorine residual at the Point-of-Entry to the distribution system. Select the DPD Free Chlorine method that adequately covers the expected chlorine concentration and gives the test sensitivity and concentration resolution desired. The method required may change depending upon the test site within the treatment system. The titration methods are easily adapted to meet the test ranges required in a free chlorine treatment process.
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