What is the primary concern associated with chlorine use in water treatment?

The primary concern associated with chlorine use in water treatment is the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts. When chlorine is introduced to water to kill pathogens, it can react with organic matter present in the water. This reaction leads to the creation of various byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which have been linked to adverse health effects, including potential carcinogenicity. Regulatory agencies closely monitor these byproducts because their presence can pose health risks, prompting the need for water treatment facilities to balance effective pathogen removal with minimizing the formation of these harmful substances.

Other factors, such as cost, effectiveness, and pressure concerns, are certainly important in water treatment processes, but they do not have the same direct health implications as the formation of disinfection byproducts. Understanding the risks associated with chlorine use is essential for water treatment operators to ensure both the safety and quality of drinking water.