By Dr. Robin Giguere
Fluctuations in water temperature within distribution systems, including pipes, tanks, and reservoirs, can have significant implications, such as degradation of disinfection residual and increased bacterial growth. Understanding these factors is essential for maintaining a safe and reliable water supply.
During the summer and in warmer climates, water temperatures can rise significantly, often surpassing 80°F (26°C). An increase in temperature directly impacts water quality by accelerating the degradation of disinfection residual. Monochloramine or free chlorine residuals play a vital role in disinfecting water and preventing bacterial growth. As water temperatures rise, the rate of degradation escalates, compromising the effectiveness of disinfection. Warmer temperatures also create an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply at an accelerated rate, so warmer temperatures paired with a degrading residual compounds the issue.
Nitrifying bacteria, responsible for converting ammonia to nitrate, thrive in warmer water temperatures typically around 77°F (25°C). This becomes a particular issue for biostability in chloraminated water systems. In order to provide biostability and reduce the risk of nitrification, these water systems require a delicate balance between the concentration of free ammonia, which serves as a food source for nitrifying bacteria, and the chloramine residual concentration, which controls bacterial growth.
It is essential to monitor and adjust disinfection practices accordingly to protect our water supplies during seasons of elevated temperature. Monoclor® RCS technology was developed to provide an effective solution for intervention within the distribution system. These systems assist operations staff in maintaining consistent chloramine residual levels in storage facilities, providing monitoring with control logic in real-time and mitigating the impact of seasonal temperature variation or water quality fluctuations.