Which terminology refers to the amount of chlorine that reacts with organic and inorganic matter in the water supply?

Which terminology refers to the amount of chlorine that reacts with organic and inorganic matter in the water supply?

• A. Chlorine strength
• B. Chlorine demand
• C. Chlorine residual
• D. Chlorine supply

Answer: (B)

The term that refers to the amount of chlorine that reacts with organic and inorganic matter in the water supply is chlorine demand. This concept is essential in water treatment processes, as it indicates how much chlorine is needed to effectively disinfect the water and ensure it is safe for consumption. Chlorine demand is important because it measures not only the amount of chlorine that is needed to eliminate pathogens but also the amount that will react with other substances present in the water, such as ammonia, organic materials, and other impurities. By understanding chlorine demand, water treatment operators can calculate the appropriate dosage of chlorine required to maintain effective disinfection while preventing chlorine from being wasted on unnecessary reactions. This understanding helps ensure that sufficient chlorine remains as a residual in the water after treatment, which is critical for ongoing sanitation as the water travels through the distribution system. Without this knowledge of chlorine demand, operators could either under-chlorinate, risking contamination, or over-chlorinate, potentially leading to undesirable tastes, odors, and by-products.

The term that refers to the amount of chlorine that reacts with organic and inorganic matter in the water supply is chlorine demand. This concept is essential in water treatment processes, as it indicates how much chlorine is needed to effectively disinfect the water and ensure it is safe for consumption.

Chlorine demand is important because it measures not only the amount of chlorine that is needed to eliminate pathogens but also the amount that will react with other substances present in the water, such as ammonia, organic materials, and other impurities. By understanding chlorine demand, water treatment operators can calculate the appropriate dosage of chlorine required to maintain effective disinfection while preventing chlorine from being wasted on unnecessary reactions.

This understanding helps ensure that sufficient chlorine remains as a residual in the water after treatment, which is critical for ongoing sanitation as the water travels through the distribution system. Without this knowledge of chlorine demand, operators could either under-chlorinate, risking contamination, or over-chlorinate, potentially leading to undesirable tastes, odors, and by-products.