Florida Drinking Water Operator "B" Practice Test

Which compound can be formed by the reaction of chlorine with organic matter in water?

1. THM's

2. Chloramines

3. Oxidants

4. Fluorides

The correct answer is: THM's

The reaction of chlorine with organic matter in water primarily leads to the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs). THMs are a group of chemical compounds that can occur as byproducts when chlorine is used as a disinfectant in the treatment of drinking water. When chlorine reacts with natural organic materials, such as decaying plant matter or other organic contaminants, it creates various halogenated compounds, including THMs. The presence of these compounds is significant because some THMs, such as chloroform, can be harmful to health when consumed over long periods. Regulatory standards have been established to monitor and limit the levels of THMs in drinking water to ensure its safety for human consumption. This connection between chlorine disinfection and the inadvertent production of these compounds highlights the importance of water treatment practices and the need for ongoing monitoring to mitigate potential risks associated with disinfection byproducts.