For effective chlorination, when should it operate?

For effective chlorination, it should operate continuously while water is being made. This is essential because the primary goal of chlorination is to disinfect the water and eliminate harmful pathogens throughout the entire water treatment process. By maintaining a continuous application of chlorine, operators ensure that the water remains disinfected from the treatment plant all the way to the distribution system, minimizing the risk of microbial growth and ensuring safe drinking water.

Chlorine is most effective when it can consistently interact with potential contaminants as they enter the treatment system, allowing for adequate contact time and ensuring that any harmful microorganisms are effectively neutralized. Therefore, continuous chlorination is a critical practice that supports public health safety and compliance with water quality standards.

In contrast, chlorination options that suggest operation only during peak usage times, once a day, or at the request of operators could compromise water safety by failing to provide necessary disinfection when it's most needed. Without constant disinfection, there is a risk that water quality could deteriorate, especially during periods of fluctuation in water demand.