What is the effect of ammonia in treated water?

Ammonia can indeed contribute to disinfection efficiency in treated water. When chlorine is used for disinfection, the presence of ammonia can help form chloramines when chlorine reacts with ammonia. Chloramines are a type of combined chlorine that can provide longer-lasting disinfection compared to free chlorine alone, resulting in a more effective treatment, particularly in distribution systems where water may sit for extended periods. This enhanced disinfection can help maintain microbial quality as water moves through the system.

While ammonia is not typically considered to increase hardness, contribute to pathogen reduction directly, or reduce chlorine odor, the formation of chloramines can be beneficial for maintaining water quality and safety in the distribution system. Understanding this relationship is crucial for water operators and treatment plant managers when developing effective disinfection strategies.