Residual chlorine behavior in a distribution network of a small water supply system

Abstract

Abstract This study presents the behavior of residual chlorine using computer modeling for a small water supply system located in La Sirena, Cali, Colombia. The study included field work to calibrate and validate the model together with lab determinations. Results show that the kinetics of first and second order together with the kinetics of mixed order can adequately describe the behavior of residual chlorine in this type of network. The research showed the variables that influence the behavior of residual chlorine in the network are: the quality of the input water, chlorine dosing, the effect of storage that increases the water age, and the presence of dead zones in the tanks. The study revealed that 95% of the reaction occurs in the storage tanks due to the small variation in the water level and the negligible reactions at the pipe walls. This study proved that the residual chlorine modeling in this small network in particular is a valuable tool for monitoring the water quality in the distribution network, which is useful to comply with water quality guidelines.