AWWA JAW17222

This article presents the results of a survey conducted by the American Water Works Association Disinfection Committee into the practice of chloramination in the United States and its territories. Included in the survey were the policies of state water supply regulatory agencies in regard to the use of chloramines. United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regulations of trihalomethanes (THMs) are expected to increase the use of chloramination, since chloramines do not react with organics to form THMs. However, because chloramines are less effective as a disinfectant than free chlorine, many professionals in the drinking water supply industry are concerned about the bacteriological quality of finished water. This concern prompted the AWWA survey. Forty-six percent of the respondents reported that none of their public water suppliers used chloramination. Seventy percent predicted that there would be no increase in the use of chloramination as a result of THM regulation. Eighty-six percent of those reporting noted no change in policies to restrict or more easily allow chloramination. Twenty-nine percent responded that they will not allow chloramines as a primary disinfectant. Thirty-eight percent reported that their requirements for additional monitoring follow USEPA recommendations. The results of the survey including comments made by several respondents to the survey are listed in this article. Includes tables, figures.