chlorination

Chlorination is a process used in water treatment to disinfect drinking water by adding chlorine or chlorine compounds. This is a crucial step to eliminate harmful microorganisms and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. While gaseous chlorine is often the most economical method for large volumes of water, chlorine compounds like sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite can also be used.1

Chlorination helps minimize taste and odor problems and can maintain a residual concentration in the distribution system to ensure water safety at the point of use. However, chlorine can react with natural organic compounds in water to form by-products like chloroform. Using chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, is an alternative that provides a longer-lasting disinfectant effect and produces fewer harmful by-products. Other disinfection methods include ozone and ultraviolet radiation, though ozone is more expensive due to the need for on-site production and lacks a lasting residual.12