Florida Drinking Water Operator "B" Practice Test

Which process is typically used to monitor chlorine levels in water systems?

1. Colorimetry

2. Filtration

3. Centrifugation

4. Distillation

The correct answer is: Colorimetry

Colorimetry is the process used to monitor chlorine levels in water systems because it involves measuring the absorbance of light by a specific wavelength that corresponds to the chlorine concentration in the water sample. In water treatment processes, colorimetric analysis is a vital tool because it allows for rapid and accurate determination of chlorine levels, ensuring that the water is treated effectively and remains safe for consumption. This method is particularly advantageous because it can be performed on-site, providing immediate results that aid operators in adjusting the chlorine dosage as needed to maintain appropriate disinfection levels. Filtration, while important for removing physical impurities from water, does not provide a means to measure chemical concentrations like chlorine. Similarly, centrifugation is a technique used to separate mixtures based on density but is not applicable for monitoring chemical levels in a solution. Distillation, which involves boiling and condensing liquids, is more focused on separating components based on their boiling points and is not a preferred method for measuring specific chemical levels such as chlorine in drinking water systems.