1. Chlorination and Dechlorination

2. » What is the purpose of a water treatment plant? ˃To remove all contaminants and make the water safe to drink » What should be removed? ˃Bacteria, ammonia, phosphorus, nitrogen, dissolved organic material, iron, arsenic, and more…. » The government sets out guidelines for contaminants and as long as the treatment plant removes enough, the water is safe to drink.

3. » Guidelines for: ˃Iron, arsenic, and nitrate – due to aesthetic or health effects on people who drink the water » No guidelines for: ˃Ammonia & phosphorus – as they are not usually dangerous at levels found in drinking water » Safe Drinking Water Foundation suggests decreasing the allowable limits on contaminants that have guidelines & making guidelines for contaminants that do not have guidelines.

4. » What do you think of when you hear that word? ˃Usually we think of swimming pools » What is the function of adding chlorine to pools? ˃Chlorine is used to disinfect water - in pools or for drinking! » What does chlorine do to the water? ˃Kills microorganisms (bacteria & viruses) ˃Also reacts with and removes chemicals like ammonia ˃Produces small amounts of Chlorine Byproducts during disinfection