Monitoring Water for Residual Chlorine With KETOS SHIELD

KETOS SHIELD monitors for residual chlorine and dozens of other water testing parameters – all from one place. Water operators get real-time results and 24/7 access to their data. The best part? Organizations can eliminate up-front costs with our industry-leading $0-CAPEX subscription model. 

Our proprietary water quality monitoring hardware/software device, KETOS SHIELD, provides accurate monitoring for residual chlorine and 30+ other parameters (such as inorganic materials, heavy metals, and other environmental factors). Monitoring happens via an internet-aware modular system and uploads data to a centralized database for easy access from any device (mobile, tablet, laptop).

Why Monitor Water for Residual Chlorine with KETOS

Residual chlorine is the concentration of chlorine found in water after the oxidant demand is satisfied. The WHO recommends a residual concentration of 0.5 mg/liter or more to maintain water quality.

Chlorine destroys microbial pathogens in drinking water. While chlorine is produced for a wide variety of processes, only a tiny amount is directed toward water treatment. For example, in the US, only 6% of domestically produced chlorine is used for water treatment. It is, however, the most commonly used drinking water disinfectant and plays an integral role in eliminating water-borne diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid, and other gastrointestinal vectors. Additionally, chlorine can prevent fungal, algal, and slime growth in water distribution systems, help maintain clean filter mediums at treatment plants, and to disinfect water mains.

In food manufacturing, operators leverage chlorinated water for washing and processing fish, red meat, and poultry. It can also clean produce and is vital in sanitizing the equipment and facilities that process food.

Beyond its disinfectant use cases, chlorine can be used as a food additive and helps control taste and odor, making it an integral part of food and beverage processes. And, as an important disinfecting agent in so many use cases, it’s important that the balance is monitored so that chlorine is effective enough to kill any bacteria or viruses, but not so overwhelming as to affect the odor, taste, or quality of the water or the product deliverables.

What are the Issues with Residual Chlorine in Water?

Residual chlorine, often used as a disinfectant in water treatment processes, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and microbiological quality of drinking water. However, while residual chlorine effectively controls pathogens and prevents waterborne diseases, excessive levels or prolonged exposure can lead to various challenges and concerns. Here are key issues associated with residual chlorine in water:

• Health Risks: While residual chlorine is essential for water disinfection, high concentrations of chlorine or its disinfection byproducts (DBPs) can pose health risks to consumers. Chronic exposure to elevated levels of chlorine or DBPs may increase the risk of adverse health effects, including respiratory irritation, skin disorders, and potential carcinogenicity. Vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions may be particularly susceptible to chlorine-related health issues.
• Taste and Odor: Residual chlorine in water can impart a noticeable taste and odor, often described as “chlorine-like” or “swimming pool-like.” Consumers may find water with high chlorine concentrations unpalatable or objectionable for drinking, cooking, and other household uses, leading to decreased water consumption and dissatisfaction with water quality.
• Corrosion and Infrastructure Damage: Excessive chlorine levels in water can accelerate corrosion of metal pipes, fittings, and plumbing fixtures in water distribution systems. Corrosion-related issues can lead to leaks, pipe failures, and infrastructure damage, compromising the integrity of water distribution networks and necessitating costly repairs and replacements.
• Formation of Disinfection Byproducts: Residual chlorine can react with organic and inorganic compounds present in water to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs), including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Some DBPs are known or suspected carcinogens and may pose health risks to consumers. Minimizing residual chlorine concentrations and optimizing water treatment processes can help reduce DBP formation and mitigate associated health concerns.
• Environmental Impact: Discharging chlorinated water into surface water bodies can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Residual chlorine can harm aquatic organisms, disrupt food webs, and degrade water quality, particularly in sensitive habitats such as wetlands, streams, and estuaries. Implementing proper chlorination practices and minimizing chlorine discharge are essential for minimizing environmental impacts.
• Regulatory Compliance: Governments and regulatory agencies establish guidelines and standards for residual chlorine levels in drinking water to protect public health and the environment. Compliance with these regulations requires water utilities and treatment facilities to monitor residual chlorine concentrations regularly, adjust treatment processes as needed, and maintain records to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

Causes of Residual Chlorine in Water

Residual chlorine in water typically stems from its use as a disinfectant in water treatment processes. Chlorine is added to water supplies to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, ensuring the safety of drinking water. However, residual chlorine can persist in treated water after the disinfection process. This residual chlorine helps prevent microbial regrowth during water distribution and storage, safeguarding against potential contamination. Additionally, chlorine can react with organic matter present in water, forming disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These DBPs are regulated due to their potential health risks, so controlling residual chlorine levels is essential to minimize their formation. Regular monitoring and adjustment of chlorine dosage in water treatment facilities are necessary to maintain an optimal balance between effective disinfection and safe chlorine levels in drinking water.

Acceptable Levels of Residual Chlorine in Water by Industry

In ensuring safe water standards across various industries, acceptable levels of residual chlorine play a crucial role. Residual chlorine, a key disinfectant, must be maintained within specific limits to prevent health risks while ensuring effective water treatment. These limits vary depending on the industry’s requirements and regulatory standards. For instance, in drinking water treatment, the acceptable residual chlorine levels typically range from 0.2 to 4.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L), while in swimming pools, the range is generally higher, around 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L. In food and beverage processing, stringent guidelines dictate residual chlorine levels to ensure product safety and quality. Establishing and adhering to these standards is paramount for safeguarding public health and maintaining operational efficiency.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Residual Chlorine

Monitoring for residual chlorine is just the beginning for water operators. Many may need to test for a handful or even dozens of water variables, and with KETOS, we make it easy to do it all from one place. Instead of measuring residual chlorine with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time. 

While residual chlorine is essential, water operators often require testing for numerous variables. KETOS simplifies this process by offering comprehensive monitoring, including residual chlorine monitoring, capabilities from a single platform. Streamline data collection and analysis, empowering operators to efficiently manage water quality and ensure regulatory compliance with ease.

If you need to detect selenium in groundwater, assess residual chlorine in reclaimed water, or analyze salinity in wastewater, KETOS’ automated water monitoring solution is tailored to streamline your processes. By incorporating salinity detection capabilities for wastewater analysis, it offers an efficient tool for ensuring water quality, saving time, and addressing regulatory concerns across diverse applications.