What does chloramine provide, similar to free chlorine?

Chloramine provides a residual effect, similar to free chlorine, which is crucial in water distribution systems. This means that chloramine remains in the water over longer periods, ensuring continued disinfection as water travels through the distribution system to consumers.

The residual effect is important for maintaining microbiological safety since it helps prevent the regrowth of harmful bacteria and the potential contamination of the water supply after the initial disinfection process. While free chlorine also provides a similar residual effect, chloramine is often used as an alternative because it can persist longer in the system and is less likely to form certain disinfection byproducts that are associated with chlorine.

Understanding the significance of residual disinfectants like chloramine is key in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water as it moves from treatment facilities to consumers.