What is a major benefit of using chloramines for disinfection?

Using chloramines for disinfection is beneficial because they have a longer-lasting effect in the distribution system compared to free chlorine. Chloramines are more stable in water and resistant to breakdown from reactions with organic materials and chlorine demand. This stability allows chloramines to linger in the water for extended periods, providing ongoing disinfection as the water travels through pipes to reach consumers.

This prolonged presence in the system helps to maintain water quality over longer distances, ensuring that any potential regrowth of pathogens is effectively managed. This feature is particularly valuable in larger distribution systems where water may sit in the pipes for days or even weeks before being used. Maintaining a residual disinfectant helps minimize the risk of contamination and ensures safer drinking water.

While factors such as cost, pathogen kill rates, and monitoring are important in overall water treatment practices, the key advantage of chloramines is their ability to maintain a disinfectant residual, making them an effective choice in many water treatment applications.