The Tampa Bay Water Authority recently converted its distribution disinfectant from free
chlorine to chloramines. Tampa Bay Water owns and operates a system of well fields, water
treatment plants, pumping stations, and transmission lines which supply drinking water to six
different entities in three different counties.
While preparing for this conversion, several utilities that used chloramines were contacted for
information. A wide range of practices, understandings, and experiences was found among the
utilities. A project was initiated to capture the best practices in a guidance manual for use by
Tampa Bay Water and its member agencies. Specific issues of concern were: nitrification;
presence of biofilms and other microbial contaminants; problems with converting from free
chlorine; optimizing the process; controlling the process; consumer acceptance; and,
other problems associated with conversion.
A wide range of utilities were initially contacted by letter and telephone interviews were
conducted depending on their response. Based on the telephone interviews, thirteen utilities
were selected for a more in-depth evaluation and site visits were made to these thirteen locations.
The purpose of the site visit was to confirm exactly how the system was being operated as well
as to confirm actual results. During each site visit, operating personnel were queried regarding
fluctuations in chlorine:ammonia ratios and any noticeable effects that these fluctuations had on
nitrification, finished water TOC, what routine water quality monitoring was being conducted,
and what type of flushing program was practiced. Of special interest was whether the system
practiced a "free chlorine burn" or not, and if so, was it necessary and/or productive. Includes 5 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 280 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 14 |
| Published : | 11/02/2003 |
