What is the minimum chlorine residual that should be maintained in the water system?

Maintaining a minimum chlorine residual in the water system is crucial for preventing the growth of pathogens and ensuring water safety. The correct answer, which is a chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/L, aligns with guidelines established by health and environmental agencies. This level is sufficient to provide disinfection while balancing efficacy and safety.

A chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/L is generally regarded as adequate for achieving effective bacteriological control throughout the distribution system. It helps ensure that the chlorine remains effective against harmful microorganisms as the treated water moves through the pipes and into consumers' taps.

Maintaining a higher residual, such as 0.3 mg/L or 0.4 mg/L, may not necessarily provide additional public health benefits and could lead to issues such as taste complaints, corrosion of pipes, or the formation of disinfection by-products. On the other hand, a level of 0.1 mg/L is often considered too low to ensure comprehensive disinfection, as it may not be effective against all pathogens, especially under varying water conditions.

Thus, 0.2 mg/L is chosen as the minimum to strike a balance between safety, effectiveness, and the quality of water delivered to consumers.