Chloramines have a long standing history of use in this country and their potential benefits are well documented in the literature. However, effective use of chloramines requires establishing a program that takes advantage of the benefits of chloramines while minimizing the drawbacks associated with its use. This paper discusses several criteria for such a program, including: selection of the point of ammonia addition downstream of the primary disinfection with free chlorine or following breakpoint chlorination; design of the ammonia feed facilities and controls to minimize the amount of free ammonia leaving the treatment plant and entering the distribution system; maintaining an adequate chloramine residual within the distribution system; focus on eliminating conditions within the distribution system that promote the decay of chloramines and the subsequent liberation of ammonia; implementation of a distribution system Code of Practice to provide positive control and feedback of water quality within the distribution system; and, development and implementation of a public notification/information program to avoid potential adverse effects on special water uses such as kidney dialysis, tropical fish, etc.