Chlorine is a vital component in ensuring the safety of our drinking water. The amount used varies depending on the specific purpose within the treatment and distribution process.
Based on the provided reference, here's a breakdown of typical chlorine usage levels:
Understanding Chlorine Doses in Water Treatment
The quantity of chlorine added during water treatment is carefully controlled to effectively disinfect the water while remaining safe for consumption. Different stages and specific tasks require different chlorine concentrations.
Standard Disinfection Dose
- Typical Quantity: Between 0.5–2 mg/l.
- Location: Usually added at covered water storage reservoirs.
- Purpose: This range is the standard dose used for ongoing disinfection to kill harmful bacteria and viruses, maintaining water safety within the distribution system.
High-Dose Application
- High Quantity: Approximately 50 mg/l.
- Purpose: Used specifically for disinfecting new or repaired equipment, such as distribution pipes, before they are put into service.
- Outcome: This highly chlorinated water is not sent to consumers. It is usually flushed to waste after it has completed its disinfection task.
Here's a simple summary of the doses mentioned:
| Purpose | Typical Chlorine Quantity | Location/Fate |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Water Disinfection | 0.5–2 mg/l | Covered water storage reservoirs |
| Disinfecting New/Repaired Pipes | ~50 mg/l | Used on equipment, then flushed to waste |
In summary, the amount of chlorine used in water treatment for daily disinfection typically falls within the 0.5–2 mg/l range. Much higher doses (around 50 mg/l) are used for specific maintenance tasks but are removed from the system afterward.
