Water and Wastewater Disinfection
Course Pack: Disinfection (Chlorine)
A Look at Disinfection By-Products and Testing
Course Description
This module provides a clear overview of disinfection in drinking-water systems, focusing on how disinfectants work and how operational conditions affect performance and water quality. Learners will explore key concepts such as chlorine demand, disinfection by-product formation, and factors influencing effective disinfection control. The course also covers testing methods, including colorimetric and titration techniques, along with common errors that impact accuracy and data reliability. Designed for operators, it reinforces best practices in disinfection monitoring, testing, and system management to ensure safe and compliant drinking-water operations.
Learning Objectives
1) Explain chlorine demand & DBP formation
2) Identify issues with chlorine product variability
3) Use colorimetric & titration techniques
4) Recognize the seven errors of colorimetry
5) Apply leak detection & dechlorination testing
Agenda
1) Fundamentals of disinfection by‑product (DBP) formation and influencing factors
2) Chlorine demand testing methods and implications for process control
3) Operational variability in chlorine and chloramine application
4) Common colorimetric testing issues and corrective techniques
5) Accuracy practices for titration, leak testing, and dechlorination verification
Target audience
Operators performing DBP-related monitoring, chlorine-demand testing, or field/lab analytical work.
Level
II, III
Learning material and method
Online on-demand
Assessment
Knowledge check and quiz (80% correct and above)
Instructor
Mike Harrington