Disinfection of water wells with free chlorine requires exposure for how long?

Disinfection of water wells with free chlorine requires exposure for how long?

• A. 24-48 hours
• B. 12-24 hours
• C. 6-12 hours
• D. 1-2 hours

Answer: (B)

The disinfection of water wells using free chlorine is essential for effectively eliminating pathogens and ensuring water safety. When free chlorine is introduced into a water well, it needs adequate contact time to perform its disinfecting role efficiently. A contact time of 12-24 hours is recommended because this duration allows sufficient chlorine residual to act on any microbial contaminants present in the water. The chlorine works by penetrating the cell walls of bacteria and other pathogens, disrupting their cellular processes, and ultimately killing them. The effectiveness of this process can vary depending on factors such as water temperature, pH, the presence of organic matter, and chlorine concentration. Shorter exposure times may not allow chlorine to fully inactivate all microorganisms, potentially leaving harmful pathogens in the water supply. Therefore, the 12-24 hour window is key to achieving comprehensive disinfection and ensuring that the water meets safe drinking water standards.

The disinfection of water wells using free chlorine is essential for effectively eliminating pathogens and ensuring water safety. When free chlorine is introduced into a water well, it needs adequate contact time to perform its disinfecting role efficiently.

A contact time of 12-24 hours is recommended because this duration allows sufficient chlorine residual to act on any microbial contaminants present in the water. The chlorine works by penetrating the cell walls of bacteria and other pathogens, disrupting their cellular processes, and ultimately killing them. The effectiveness of this process can vary depending on factors such as water temperature, pH, the presence of organic matter, and chlorine concentration.

Shorter exposure times may not allow chlorine to fully inactivate all microorganisms, potentially leaving harmful pathogens in the water supply. Therefore, the 12-24 hour window is key to achieving comprehensive disinfection and ensuring that the water meets safe drinking water standards.