What is the purpose of using chloramines in water treatment?

The purpose of using chloramines in water treatment primarily revolves around their ability to provide long-lasting disinfection. Chloramines are formed by combining chlorine with ammonia, which gives them a more stable chemical structure compared to free chlorine. This stability allows chloramines to remain active in the water distribution system for an extended period, effectively controlling microbial growth and maintaining water quality as it travels from the treatment plant to consumers.

In contrast, other disinfection methods may not offer the same duration of effectiveness, making chloramines particularly valuable in preventing the regrowth of pathogens during the distribution process. This is especially important for larger water systems where the water may be in the distribution network for considerable time before reaching the end-user.

The other options reflect misunderstandings about the role of chloramines. While enhancing the taste of water is a goal of water treatment processes, it is not a primary function of chloramines. Additionally, while chloramines can be a cost-effective choice compared to other disinfectants, their primary role is not focused solely on reducing chemical costs but on providing sustained disinfection. Lastly, chloramines do not eliminate the need for filtration; filtration remains a crucial step in removing particulates and contaminants from water before disinfection takes place.