Chloramine is a significant disinfectant used in the treatment of drinking water. This article delves into what chloramine is, its advantages and disadvantages, its impact on public health, and how it compares to chlorine in municipal water treatment.
What is Chloramine?
Chloramine is a compound formed by combining chlorine with ammonia. It serves as a disinfectant in drinking water systems, offering a more stable alternative to chlorine. While it is less potent as a disinfectant than chlorine, its stability allows it to maintain its disinfectant properties throughout the distribution system, which is the network of pipes delivering water to homes.
Water utilities often use chloramine as a secondary disinfectant to ensure that a residual disinfectant remains in the water as it travels from treatment facilities to consumers. Chloramine has been utilized for nearly 90 years and its use is subject to strict regulations.
What is chloramine used for?
Public water suppliers add disinfectants like chloramine to drinking water to protect public health by eliminating disease-causing microorganisms. These microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can lead to severe illnesses or even death.
The disinfection process has significantly improved public health by reducing the incidence of infectious diseases such as typhoid, hepatitis, and cholera, which can be transmitted through untreated water. Common disinfectants used in this process include chlorine and chloramines.
Advantages of Using Chloramine
Chloramine offers several advantages over chlorine:
1.Reduced Formation of Harmful Byproducts: Chloramine is less reactive than chlorine, which decreases the production of potentially cancer-causing disinfection byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs).
2.Fewer Taste and Odor Complaints: Because chloramine does not react as readily with organic compounds, water systems using chloramine typically receive fewer complaints regarding taste and odor.
3.Stability and Longevity: The residual chloramine is more stable and lasts longer than free chlorine, providing better protection against bacterial regrowth in distribution systems.
4.Biofilm Control: Chloramine effectively controls biofilm a layer of bacteria that can form in pipes thereby reducing coliform bacteria concentrations and preventing corrosion of pipes caused by biofilm.
5.Cost-Effectiveness: Chloramine technology is relatively easy to install and operate, making it a less expensive alternative to chlorine for disinfection.
Disadvantages of Using Chloramine
Despite its advantages, chloramine has some drawbacks:
1.. Corrosion Risks: Corrosion can result in the leaching of lead and copper from pipes and solder, especially if the treatment process is not carefully monitored.
2.Complex Regulation: Managing chloramine levels can be more complex than regulating chlorine levels. Improper control can lead to increased pipe corrosion or nitrification an undesirable process that can diminish disinfectant levels.
3.Impact on Natural Rubber: Chloramine can deteriorate natural rubber products, such as toilet tank flapper valves, more quickly than chlorine. Homeowners may need to seek synthetic alternatives if this becomes an issue.
Prevalence of Chloramine in Drinking Water
Approximately one-third of public water systems in the United States use chloramine for residual disinfection. According to a 1998 survey by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 68 million people receive drinking water with chloramine residuals. In Pennsylvania alone, 73 public water systems supply more than 4 million residents with chloraminated water.
Health Concerns Related to Chloramine
– Skin and Lung Irritation
Chloramine levels in drinking water that comply with EPA standards are generally considered safe and pose minimal risk. Dr. Jeffrey K. Griffiths from Tufts University School of Medicine states that there is no scientific evidence supporting claims that chloramine or ammonia in drinking water causes significant respiratory issues or skin irritation. The ammonia levels present in chloraminated water are significantly lower than those found in many foods.
However, drinking water with chloramine levels exceeding the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Levels can lead to eye and nose irritation, stomach discomfort, or anemia. Such high levels typically arise from improper operation of the water treatment system.
– Lead Levels in Drinking Water
Regardless of whether a water system uses chlorine or chloramine, effective treatment for lead control is essential. Some systems have reported elevated lead levels after switching to chloramine, but these incidents are often linked to specific circumstances that can be avoided with proper monitoring during the conversion process.
– Impact on Dialysis Patients
Dialysis centers and hospitals are notified when a water system transitions to chloramine. Like chlorine, chloramine must be removed from water used in dialysis machines. Technicians routinely check for total chlorine residuals to ensure they are at zero. While some dialysis machines may require modifications, the change in disinfectant should not affect normal operations. Home dialysis patients are advised to consult their physicians or machine manufacturers for guidance.
Chlorine vs. Chloramine: A Comparative Analysis
Both chlorine and chloramine have their respective advantages and limitations in municipal water treatment. Chloramine’s primary benefits include:
– Longer Disinfection Duration: It remains active in water longer than chlorine.
– Milder Taste and Odor: It typically has a less pronounced chlorine taste and odor.
Conversely, chloramines can be more corrosive to pipes compared to chlorine treated water. This necessitates careful management of water infrastructure when chloramines are introduced. Additionally, chloramine can pose challenges for dialysis patients, individuals with respiratory conditions, and cannot be used in aquariums.
Conclusion
Chloramine plays a vital role in the disinfection of drinking water, offering advantages such as stability and reduced harmful byproducts. However, it also presents challenges that require careful management and monitoring. Understanding both the benefits and potential drawbacks of chloramine is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water in municipal systems.
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Reference
1.Chloramine in Drinking Water FAQ
2.Chloramine vs Chlorine: What’s The Difference?
3.Chloramines in Drinking Water – Guideline Technical Document for Public Consultation
