Since the 1970s, Philadelphia has applied a chloramine residual to the drinking
water for its distribution system. Over the years, experience has indicated that a
reasonable goal was 2.0 mg/L. US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulations require (at least in the
public's eye) that the residual stay between 0.2 and 4.0 mg/L. Reasons, though
weak, for reducing the chloramine residual below 2.0 mg/L include cost savings,
disinfection byproducts (DBP) control, disposal of chloraminated water, and the needs of sensitive
customers. Reasons for maintaining the goal include, primarily, preventing warm
water dieoff of the residual and averting problems such as biological nitrification.
Better control in minimizing the free ammonia residual and the dichloramine
component of the chloramine residual are needed. Though customer sensitivity
to a 2.0 mg/L chloramine residual is not high, public education on the benefits of
a chloramine residual would improve public perceptions for those who can detect
the flavor in their tap water or who incorrectly relate an off flavor to the
chloramine residual. Includes 14 references, tables.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 340 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 17 |
| Published : | 11/02/2003 |
