Why does chlorine react vigorously with water?
Chlorination is the process of adding chlorine to drinking water to kill parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Different processes can be used to achieve safe levels of chlorine in drinking water. Using or drinking water with small amounts of chlorine does not cause harmful health effects and provides protection against waterborne disease outbreaks.
What is advantage and disadvantage of chlorine?
Jan 25, 2011 · Chlorine is added during both the drinking water processes to get rid of bacteria. During the treatments it kills all the bacteria and allows a safer drinking water.
Why does the water supply industry use chlorine?
Mar 06, 2018 · It kills bacteria/microbes. Explanation: Chlorine, along with ozone and iodine, are some of the most effective antimicrobial chemicals. In pools, we use chlorine (and sometimes ozone as well) to keep it clear of bacteria and algae growth. In water treatment, its the same idea, but the chorine is removed later because it's toxic to drink.
Why is too much chlorine in pools so dangerous?
Nov 27, 2016 · Any type of chlorine that is added to water during the treatment process will result in the formation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ions (OCl-), which are the main disinfecting compounds in chlorinated water. More detail is provided later on in this fact sheet. A Form of Chlorine + H 2 O -> HOCl + OCl -
Why is chlorination important in water treatment?
In order to combat waterborne diseases, different disinfection methods are used to inactivate pathogens. Along with other water treatment processes such as coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration, chlorination creates water that is safe for public consumption.
What is the purpose of adding chlorine to water?
The main objective of this chlorine addition is to disinfect the water and maintain chlorine residuals that will remain in the water as it travels through the distribution system.
How is calcium hypochlorite made?
Calcium hypochlorite (CaOCl) is made up of the calcium salts of hypochlorous acid. It is produced by dissolving chlorine gas (Cl 2) into a solution of calcium oxide (CaO) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Calcium hypochlorite is a white, corrosive solid that comes either in tablet form or as a granular powder. Calcium hypochlorite is very stable, and when packaged properly, large amounts can be purchased and stored until needed. The chemical is very corrosive however, and thus requires proper handling when being used to treat water. Calcium hypochlorite needs to be stored in a dry area and kept away from organic materials. It cannot be stored near wood, cloth or petrol because the combination of calcium hypochlorite and organic material can create enough heat for an explosion. It must also be kept away from moisture because the tablets/granular powder readily adsorb moisture and will form (toxic) chlorine gas as a result. Calcium hypochlorite has a very strong chlorine odour – something that should be kept in mind when placing them in storage.
When was chlorine first used?
Chlorine was first discovered in Sweden in 1744. At that time, people believed that odours from the water were responsible for transmitting diseases. In 1835, chlorine was used to remove odours from the water, but it wasn't until 1890 that chlorine was found to be an effective tool for disinfecting; a way to reduce the amount of disease transmitted through water. With this new find, chlorination began in Great Britain and then expanded to the United States in 1908 and Canada by 1917. Today, chlorination is the most popular method of disinfection and is used for water treatment all over the world.
Why is hydrogen sulfide toxic?
Hydrogen sulfide is an undesirable impurity in water because it gives water an undesired smell. At levels below 1 mg/L hydrogen sulphide generates a musty smell to the water, while at levels above 1 mg/L a rotten egg smell will prevail. Hydrogen sulphide is also toxic.
What is the chemical that is added to water during the treatment process?
Any type of chlorine that is added to water during the treatment process will result in the formation of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ions (OCl-), which are the main disinfecting compounds in chlorinated water. More detail is provided later on in this fact sheet.
Can chlorine be added to water?
Most water treatment plants will add chlorine beyond the breakpoint. If ammonium is present in the water at the time of chlorine addition breakpoint chlorination will not occur until all the ammonium has reacted with the chlorine.
What is chlorination in water?
Chlorination is a water treatment process that is used to eliminate certain pathogens, particularly in drinking water, such as dysentery and typhoid. Water treatment processes such as coagulation, filtration and sedimentation are used to battle waterborne diseases. For over a century, however, chlorination has been used to create water ...
What is chlorine used for?
Chlorine is most commonly used in water treatment for as a disinfectant, though seldom in its pure form. Chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite are the three most common chlorine compounds used in water treatment.
When was chlorine first used in water?
The use of chlorine in water treatment has been around since 1893 and permanent water chlorination began in 1905. Hamburg, Germany was the first to attempt chlorinating drinking water, shortly followed by Maidstone, England, as a way to make water completely germ-free.
When is chlorination performed?
Chlorination can also be performed during any part of the water treatment process, including: Pre-chlorination – almost immediately after water enters the treatment facility. After sedimentation and prior to filtration. During the disinfection stage of the water treatment process – most of the time, chlorination occurs at this stage.
Is sodium hypochlorite bleach?
Easiest to handle of all three compounds, sodium hypochlorite can most easily be recognised as household bleach. A light-yellow liquid, it has a short shelf life compared to the other two compounds. Sodium hypochlorite also increases the pH of the water it is being used to treat, though lower concentrations are needed compared to calcium hypochlorite or chlorine gas.
What is the most common compound used in water treatment?
Calcium hypochlorite: Chlorine hypochlorite is the most common compound of chlorine used in residential water treatment. Calcium hypochlorite increases the pH of the water it is being used to treat and can be sold as calcium hypochlorite pellets or granules. Calcium hypochlorite should also be handled with care as it is capable ...
What is calcium hypochlorite used for?
The fact is though, calcium hypochlorite is much more than a pool chemical. It is used to disinfect drinking water throughout many communities across the developed world.
Why is chlorine added to water?
The use of these chemicals, the most common methods for disinfecting drinking water, kills potentially harmful contaminants , such as viruses and bacteria, and protect public health.
How does chlorine work?
died annually from waterborne diseases. Chlorine and chloramines (a mix of chlorine and ammonia) work to disinfect water during the treatment process, neutralizing contaminants that could pose a danger to humans who consume it.
What is the EPA requirement for water?
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) require a minimum level of chlorine and chloramines to be maintained within water as it comes from our treatment facilities to your water tap.
How to get rid of chlorine smell in water?
If the taste or smell of chlorine in your water is bothersome to you, you can take a few steps to minimize it. Refrigerate tap water in an uncovered container overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate. Boil drinking water for five minutes, and allow to cool prior to drinking. Add a lemon slice or a few drops of lemon juice to a glass ...
Can you drink chloraminated water on dialysis?
Certain customers should be mindful and exercise precaution when utilizing chloraminated water. Patients undergoing kidney dialysis should remove chlorine and chloramines before consuming, as dialysis brings water into contact with the blood stream.
Can you add ascorbic acid to water?
Ascorbic acid can be added to water to neutralize these chemicals, or water should be filtered using activated carbon prior to using it for this purpose. If you own a fish aquarium, be mindful that chlorine and chloramines are toxic to fish, even when levels are quite low.
Is chlorine in tap water safe?
Higher levels of chlorine and chloramines may exist in your tap water if you live close to an Indiana American Water treatment facility. Although you may notice the taste or smell of chlorine in your water, we closely monitor these levels to ensure tap water is always safe to consume.
What is the process of adding chlorine to water?
Chlorination. Chlorination involves adding a measured amount of chlorine to water to produce a residual sufficient to kill bacteria, viruses, and cysts.
Does chlorine react with organic compounds?
Unfortunately, chlorine reacts with many organic compounds to form chlorine disinfection by-products that are recognized as potent carcinogens at low levels of concentrations. Such organic compounds include humic and fulvic acids, which derive from rotting vegetation common in surface waters.
Can chlorine be used in water?
Chlorine cannot be used in most high purity water loops without contaminating the process or interfering with the end use of the water. These systems often rely on ultraviolet disinfection as an alternative to water chlorination.
