What is the role of chloramines in water treatment?

Chloramines play a significant role in water treatment primarily as a disinfectant. They are formed when ammonia is added to chlorine, creating a more stable compound compared to chlorine alone. One of the advantages of using chloramines in water treatment is their ability to provide a longer-lasting disinfection effect, which helps to maintain water quality as it travels through distribution systems.

Chloramines not only reduce the levels of harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses but also minimize the formation of disinfection byproducts that can occur with free chlorine. This makes them a preferred choice in certain situations, especially in systems that require prolonged disinfection during water distribution. While chloramines do not address hardness or taste enhancements directly, their primary function is centered around effective disinfection, making them crucial in ensuring safe drinking water.