Water and Wastewater Disinfection
Course Pack: Chloramination
Buffering and Alkalinity Within Water Systems
Course Description
This module explores the importance of buffering and alkalinity in water systems and how these key water-quality parameters influence chemical stability, pH control, and overall treatment performance. Learners will examine the role of alkalinity and buffering capacity in maintaining balanced water chemistry and preventing operational challenges.
The course covers essential factors affecting water system stability, including chemical adjustment methods, total dissolved solids (TDS), silica levels, hardness, and corrosion inhibitor management. Participants will gain an understanding of how buffering and alkalinity impact treatment decisions, corrosion control, scaling prevention, and long-term system reliability. Through practical water treatment examples, operators will learn how to evaluate water chemistry conditions and apply effective strategies for maintaining stable and efficient water systems.
Learning Objectives
1) Explain alkalinity, buffering capacity, and system stability
2) Perform alkalinity, hardness, and TDS testing
3) Prepare samples properly for analysis
4) Identify silica and corrosion‑inhibitor considerations
5) Apply chemical adjustment strategies for water quality
Agenda
1) Alkalinity and buffering fundamentals
2) Hardness/TDS testing and sample preparation steps
3) Silica impacts and use of inhibitors
4) Selection of chemical adjustments for system stability
5) Case examples linking water chemistry to operations
Target audience
Operators involved in water-quality management
Level
II, III
Learning material and method
Online on-demand
Assessment
Knowledge check and quiz (80% correct and above)
Instructor
Mike Harrington