The Driller
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EQUIPMENT
  • SAFETY
  • VIDEOS
  • EDUCATION
  • SOURCEBOOK
  • EVENTS
  • SUBMIT
  • ABOUT
  • SIGN UP
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • NEWS
  • Water
  • Geothermal
  • Construction
  • Environmental
  • Mining
  • All Industry News
  • EQUIPMENT
  • Rigs & Heavy Equipment
  • Consumables
  • Pumps
  • Featured Products
  • VIDEOS
  • Newscast
  • Drill Talks
  • Ask Brock
  • Emerging Drillers
  • EDUCATION
  • Drilling Business Insights
  • Reference Desk
  • Sponsored Insights
  • EVENTS
  • Conferences & Demo Days
  • Newscast LIVE
  • SUBMIT
  • Drillers @Work
  • ABOUT
  • Contact
  • Advertise
The Driller
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
The Driller
  • NEWS
    • Water
    • Geothermal
    • Construction
    • Environmental
    • Mining
    • All Industry News
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EQUIPMENT
    • Rigs & Heavy Equipment
    • Consumables
    • Pumps
    • Featured Products
  • SAFETY
  • VIDEOS
    • Newscast
    • Drill Talks
    • Ask Brock
    • Emerging Drillers
  • EDUCATION
    • Drilling Business Insights
    • Reference Desk
    • Sponsored Insights
  • SOURCEBOOK
  • EVENTS
    • Conferences & Demo Days
    • Newscast LIVE
  • SUBMIT
    • Drillers @Work
  • ABOUT
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP
Drilling Industry News

To Chlorinate or Not

January 1, 2004
Water treatment professionals report that chlorine still is the most widely used disinfectant, but acknowledge pressures.



A recent on-line survey of water treatment professionals found that most treatment facilities continue to use chlorine as the primary disinfectant, despite some pressure to consider alternative options.

The Chlorine Chemistry Council (CCC) surveyed 52 public health and drinking water utility officials nationwide to gauge opinions about the use of chlorine in drinking water disinfection. While most facilities continue to rely on chlorine-based disinfectants, results show that outside pressures, such as government regulations, have raised the visibility of alternative methods of disinfection.

The CCC distributed the survey to over 350 professionals around the country, representing utilities of varying size. Not a scientific study by nature, the sample of individuals was selected through an Internet search of major utilities throughout the country. Over the course of two weeks, the survey netted a 14.5 percent rate of return - a considerably high rate for a survey, particularly one conducted on-line.

Disinfection Methods

All of the surveyed water treatment plants reported to use some form of chlorine as the primary method of disinfection. The majority (54%) use chlorine gas as their primary disinfectant. Other forms of chlorine the officials indicate using include sodium or calcium hypochlorite (29%), chloramines (13%) and chlorine dioxide (4%).

Primary disinfection inactivates microbial pathogens at the water treatment plant, while secondary disinfectants are added to ensure adequate residual disinfection throughout the water distribution system. Twenty-seven percent of the participants indicate using secondary forms of disinfection, which include chloramines and chlorine dioxide to name a few.

Considering the Options

The majority of water treatment professionals choose chlorine as their primary disinfectant, but their decisions are not made without external pressure to consider adopting alternative methods. While most (87%) participants have not switched - and do not plan to switch - a significant number (40%) of the officials indicate having felt pressure to stop using chlorine products as a primary disinfectant. And the pressures come from a variety of sources.

Government regulations regarding acceptable levels of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) as well as safety regulations account for most (36%) of the pressure that water treatment facilities face when considering primary disinfectants, closely followed by companies promoting alternative methods (23%) and customers' concerns (19%). In September 2000, the EPA and various stakeholders signed the Stage 2 Microbial and Disinfection Byproducts Federal Advisory Committee Agreement in Principle, which addressed drinking water regulations with a focus on both microbial pathogens as well as DBPs. In accordance with the agreement, the allowable level of DBPs was reduced to 80 parts per billion.

As water treatment facilities are pressured to consider alternatives, the public also is receiving information on DBPs from a variety of sources. When asked which sources play a role in creating anti-chlorine sentiments in the United States, officials cite activist organizations (47%), government regulations (23%), the media (14%) and companies promoting alternative methods (12%) as the loudest voices in the DBP debate.

Of the survey participants who switched to alternate primary disinfection methods (13%), government regulations are a factor that influenced about half (49%) of the group. One survey participant asserts the “primary directive comes from regulations - we really don't hear much apprehension from our customers.” Another adds, “The driving force for alternative disinfectant methods is the requirement for reduction of disinfectant byproducts as mandated by the Disinfec-tant/Disinfectant Byproduct Rule. Chlorine still is the only residual disinfectant available that is economically feasible.”

Research Findings

According to the survey results, chlorine-based products remain the most widely used disinfectants by water treatment professionals, largely due to their effectiveness, cost and residual properties. However, water professionals are facing pressures on two fronts - (1) EPA regulations lowering the allowable level of DBPs and (2) constituent concerns as a result of regulations, activist groups and media reporting. These pressures require water professionals to continually review disinfection practices and communicate to the public on the benefits and risks associated with disinfection.

The survey provided a valuable opportunity for participants to offer personal comments. According to one participant, “We are required by state regulations to add chlorine/chloramines to the water at the point of entry into the distribution system and to ensure that there is still a residual at the far ends of our system.” Chlorine-based disinfectants are the only major disinfectants containing long-lasting residual properties to prevent microbial re-growth throughout the distribution process.

In part due to pressure from government regulations, many water treatment plants have switched from chlorine gas to chloramines - chlorine mixed with ammonia. To the water treatment officials, chloramines are an increasingly attractive option for controlling DBP levels. Utilities in cities such as Denver, Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles have begun using chloramines as the primary disinfectant. n

The majority of water treatment utilities use some form of chlorine as their primary disinfectant. ND

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • geotechnical drilling rig

    6 Onsite Phrases Environmental Drillers Hate

    Here are six phrases that highlight common frustrations...
    Markets
    By: Jeff Garby
  • Wayne Nash

    Pipe Stuck? Common Causes and Solutions for Drillers

    If you have drilled for any length of time, sooner or...
    Opinions
    By: Wayne Nash
  • deep water well

    Selecting and Sizing Submersible Pump Cable

    This article helps pump installers and servicers decide...
    Opinions
    By: Bob Pelikan
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

Environmental Works - 3135GT Testimonial

Environmental Works - 3135GT Testimonial

The Driller Newscast - The Exit Interview: The Battle of Bron vs. Brock

The Driller Newscast - The Exit Interview: The Battle of Bron vs. Brock

The Driller Newscast: Hard Hats, Hot Topics, and Dad Jokes

The Driller Newscast: Hard Hats, Hot Topics, and Dad Jokes

ClimateMaster’s “Geo Joe” Discusses Industry Growth Through State Organizations

ClimateMaster’s “Geo Joe” Discusses Industry Growth Through State Organizations

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the The Driller audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of The Driller or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • demo of a DM450 drilling rig during a customer factory visit
    Sponsored byGeoprobe

    Built for You: Smarter Drill Rigs, Stronger Support, Bigger Opportunities

Popular Stories

The Driller Newscast episode 149: Hard Hats, Hot Topics, and Dad Jokes

Hard Hats, Hot Takes, and Dad Jokes: Drillers Talk Safety and Geothermal’s Future

An image of a pair of boots

The Job Site Fit Check: Boots

An image of a Vesa Drill rig

Breaking: Charger Acquires Versa-Drill

The Driller Classifieds

COMPRESSORS

EAST WEST MACHINERY & DRILLING IS BUYING AND SELLING AIR COMPRESSORS, AIR BOOSTERS, AIR ENDS & PARTS
Company: East West Machinery

DRILL RIGS

LOOKING FOR LATE MODEL TOPHEADS & DRILLTECH D25'S
Company: Spikes’s Rig Sales

DRILL RIG PARTS

MEETING DRILLERS NEEDS AROUND THE WORLD
Company: East West Machinery

ELEVATORS

SEMCO INC. PIPE ELEVATORS
Company: Semco Inc.

GROUTERS

GROUTING EQUIPMENT - GROUT PUMPS & GROUT HOSE REELS
Company: Geo-Loop Inc.

PUMP HOISTS

SEMCO INC. - BASIC PUMP HOISTS
Company: Semco Inc.

WELL PACKERS

LANSAS PRODUCTS - INFLATABLE WELL PACKERS
Company: Vanderlans Lansas Products

WELL SCREENS

WELL SCREENS & SLOTTED PIPE
Company: Alloy Screen Works

Products

Water Quality Engineering: Physical / Chemical Treatment Processes

Water Quality Engineering: Physical / Chemical Treatment Processes

By carefully explaining both the underlying theory and the underlying mathematics, this text enables readers to fully grasp the fundamentals of physical and chemical treatment processes for water and wastewater.

See More Products

The Driller E.G.O. Award - Enter now!

Related Articles

  • Letter to the Editor: Semitropic Responds

    See More
  • On the Job: Resort Turns to Geothermal Technology

    See More
  • On the Job: Drilling Yields Clues to Mega-earthquake

    See More
×

Dig deeper into the drilling and water supply industry!

Build your knowledge with The Driller, covering the people, equipment and technologies across drilling markets.

SIGN UP NOW
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Classifieds
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

The Driller
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
The Driller
  • NEWS
    • Water
    • Geothermal
    • Construction
    • Environmental
    • Mining
    • All Industry News
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EQUIPMENT
    • Rigs & Heavy Equipment
    • Consumables
    • Pumps
    • Featured Products
  • SAFETY
  • VIDEOS
    • Newscast
    • Drill Talks
    • Ask Brock
    • Emerging Drillers
  • EDUCATION
    • Drilling Business Insights
    • Reference Desk
    • Sponsored Insights
  • SOURCEBOOK
  • EVENTS
    • Conferences & Demo Days
    • Newscast LIVE
  • SUBMIT
    • Drillers @Work
  • ABOUT
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP