What is the minimum chlorine dosage required for new water mains?

The minimum chlorine dosage required for new water mains is established to ensure effective disinfection and to eliminate harmful pathogens that could compromise water quality. A dosage of 100 mg/l is considered sufficient for achieving a high level of chlorination, which helps to ensure that the new infrastructure is adequately sanitized before it is put into service. This dosage level provides a margin of safety to address any potential contamination during the installation of the water mains.

Lower dosages may not achieve the necessary efficacy in killing bacteria and viruses, while higher doses could be unnecessary and might lead to issues such as higher chlorination byproducts or taste and odor problems. Therefore, 100 mg/l is the standard adopted for new water mains because it balances effectiveness with practicality in maintaining acceptable water quality standards.