What is the safe range for total chlorine in water treatment?

In water treatment, the safe range for total chlorine is vital for maintaining water quality and ensuring safety for human consumption and use. Total chlorine refers to the sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine in the water, and it is important in disinfecting processes to eliminate harmful microorganisms.

The correct answer, which suggests a total chlorine level of less than 0.1 ppm, aligns with certain guidelines that indicate lower levels of chlorine are preferred for taste, odor, and safety reasons in drinking water. High concentrations of chlorine can lead to unwanted tastes and odors and may create harmful by-products when reacting with organic matter.

While variables such as the specific type of treatment process and the context of the water source can influence appropriate chlorine levels, maintaining total chlorine levels as low as possible without compromising disinfection efficacy is a fundamental practice in ensuring safe drinking water. Levels above this threshold could potentially lead to negative public perception and compliance issues with regulatory standards.