Water Nuggets Practice Exam

The requirement for disinfecting a well with free chlorine involves a specific combination of concentration and exposure time to effectively eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. When utilizing a concentration of 50 mg/L, the recommended exposure time of 12 to 24 hours ensures that chlorine has adequate contact time with potential contaminants in the well water. This extended duration allows for thorough disinfection as chlorine works gradually against various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Shorter exposure times or lower concentrations may not achieve sufficient disinfection, as the effectiveness of chlorine diminishes if either factor is not optimal. Thus, the combination of 50 mg/L with 12 to 24 hours of exposure provides a well-balanced approach to ensuring that the water is safe for consumption after treatment. Understanding these parameters is crucial for effective water management and safety, particularly in situations where wells may be exposed to contaminants.