Why Then do Some Plants Add Ammonia to Chlorinated Water

Water treatment plants use a variety of methods to remove impurities and disinfect water before it is distributed to homes and businesses. Chlorination is one of the most widely used methods for disinfecting water. However, some plants add ammonia to chlorinated water as part of their treatment process. Why do they do this? Let's take a closer look.

The Chlorination Process

Chlorination involves adding small amounts of chlorine gas or chlorine compounds to water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful organisms. This process also helps to reduce unpleasant tastes and odors, and control algae and other aquatic pests. While chlorination is an effective disinfection method, it does have some drawbacks. Chlorinated water can react with organic matter, such as decaying leaves or algae, to form byproducts such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids. These byproducts can be harmful to human health and have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.

The Role of Ammonia

Ammonia is a compound that contains nitrogen and hydrogen. It is found in many natural and human-made systems, including water. In water treatment, some plants add ammonia to chlorinated water to create what's known as chloramine. Chloramine is a more stable disinfectant than chlorine alone and has a longer-lasting residual effect. This means that it can continue to kill bacteria and other organisms as the water travels through pipes and storage tanks on its way to consumers. Chloramine is also less reactive with organic matter and produces fewer harmful byproducts than chlorine alone.

The Benefits of Chloramine

By adding ammonia to chlorinated water, water treatment plants can create a more effective and longer-lasting disinfection system. Chloramine is also less harsh than chlorine and has a milder taste and odor. This makes it more acceptable to consumers, particularly those who are sensitive to the taste and smell of chlorine. Additionally, chloramine can help to reduce corrosion in water distribution systems, which can extend the lifespan of pipes and other infrastructure.

The Potential Disadvantages

While chloramine is generally considered safe for human consumption, there are some potential disadvantages to this disinfection method. Some people may be sensitive to chloramine and experience skin irritation or other symptoms. Chloramine can also interfere with some water treatment processes, such as the removal of certain contaminants or the use of ozone as a disinfectant. In addition, some studies have suggested that long-term exposure to chloramine may be linked to an increased risk of health problems, although the evidence is not conclusive.

In Conclusion

In summary, some water treatment plants add ammonia to chlorinated water to create chloramine, a more stable and longer-lasting disinfectant. While chloramine has some potential disadvantages, it offers several benefits over chlorine alone, including reduced reactivity with organic matter, a milder taste and odor, and reduced corrosion in water distribution systems. As with any water treatment method, it is important to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and safety of chloramine over time.