MODELING CHLORINE RESIDUALS IN DRINKING-WATER DISTRIBUTION-SYSTEMS

A mass-transfer-based model is developed for predicting chlorine decay in drinking-water distribution networks, The model considers first-or der reactions of chlorine to occur both in the bulk flow and at the pi pe wall. The overall rate of the wall reaction is a function of the ra te of mass transfer of chlorine to the wall and is therefore dependent on pipe geometry and flow regime. The model can thus explain field ob servations that show higher chlorine decay rates associated with small er pipe sizes and higher flow velocities. It has been incorporated int o a computer program called EPANET that can perform dynamic water-qual ity simulations on complex pipe networks. The model is applied to chlo rine measurements taken at nine locations over 53 h from a portion of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority's service area. Good agreement with observed chlorine levels is obtained at locations where the hydraulics are well characterized. The model should prove t o be a valuable tool for managing chlorine-disinfection practices in d rinking-water distribution systems.