Operation Water Biology Chlorination and Dechlorination Treatment plant

Operation Water Biology Chlorination and Dechlorination

Treatment plant » What is the purpose of a water treatment plant? ˃ To remove all contaminants and make the water safe to drink » What should be removed? ˃ Bacteria, ammonia, phosphorus, nitrogen, dissolved organic material, iron, arsenic, and more…. » The government sets out guidelines for contaminants and as long as the treatment plant removes enough, the water is safe to drink.

Guidelines in Canada » Guidelines for: ˃ Iron, arsenic, and nitrate – due to aesthetic or health effects on people who drink the water » No guidelines for: ˃ Ammonia & phosphorus – as they are not usually dangerous at levels found in drinking water » Safe Drinking Water Foundation suggests decreasing the allowable limits on contaminants that have guidelines & making guidelines for contaminants that do not have guidelines.

Chlorine » What do you think of when you hear that word? ˃ Usually we think of swimming pools » What is the function of adding chlorine to pools? ˃ Chlorine is used to disinfect water - in pools or for drinking! » What does chlorine do to the water? ˃ Kills microorganisms (bacteria & viruses) ˃ Also reacts with and removes chemicals like ammonia ˃ Produces small amounts of Chlorine Byproducts during disinfection