Florida Drinking Water Operator "B" Practice Test

True or false: High pH causes faster formation of THM's.

1. True

2. False

3. Only in certain conditions

4. Indeterminate

The correct answer is: True

High pH can indeed lead to faster formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) during the chlorination process of drinking water treatment. THMs are a group of chemical compounds that can form when chlorine, used as a disinfectant, reacts with organic matter present in the water. The reaction conditions, particularly pH, play a significant role in determining the rate of this formation. At higher pH levels, the reaction between chlorine and organic precursors tends to proceed more rapidly, increasing the production of disinfection byproducts like THMs. This is due to the fact that chlorine is more effective in oxidizing organic materials at higher pH levels, leading to more significant interactions that result in the formation of THMs. Understanding this process is essential for water treatment operators as it emphasizes the importance of monitoring and adjusting pH levels during water treatment to minimize the formation of potentially harmful byproducts like THMs. Balancing pH can help in managing the disinfection process effectively and ensuring water quality standards are met.