Chloramine in Drinking Water Collection (original) (raw)

In February 2004, after numerous studies and deliberation, the SFPUC implemented chloramination in the distribution system. The driver for changing the distribution system disinfectant from chlorine to chloramine was to comply with Federal and State water quality regulations. The primary objective was to reduce the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), and regulated chemical by-products of disinfection that may cause adverse health effects. Chloramine is very effective at limiting the formation of these by-products. In addition, due to the large size of the SFPUC water system, maintaining a small concentration of disinfectant throughout the pipe network and storage system is necessary to preserve water quality. Chloramine, since it is less reactive than chlorine, is ideal for meeting this secondary objective.