This project, sponsored by the AWWA Research Foundation, has the
objective of documenting the long-term effects of disinfectant changes on distribution
system water quality. The project involves collecting and analyzing available utility and
other data on changing disinfectants, and summarizing the data so that utilities may use
the information when selecting effective disinfection strategies and when diagnosing
water quality problems that may be caused by disinfectant changes.
This research project focuses on the effects of altering a typical disinfection scheme using
chlorine disinfection to the following disinfectants:
chloramines;
ozone;
chlorine dioxide;
ultraviolet light (UV); and,
booster chlorination. The purpose of this paper is to disseminate the information generated from the project
including the benefits and potential adverse impacts of changing disinfectants on
distribution system water quality. Data from actual utility experiences is presented along
with potential applications of the project results on utility operations. Includes table, figures.