What is considered the ultimate measure of effective chlorination?

The ultimate measure of effective chlorination is the bacteriological result. This is because the primary purpose of chlorination in water treatment is to disinfect the water by killing or inactivating harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. Achieving a reduction in bacterial counts indicates that the chlorination process is working as intended, ensuring the water is safe for consumption or usage.

While chemical analysis can provide important information about the concentration of chlorine and other residuals in the water, it does not directly measure the effectiveness of the chlorination in achieving disinfection. Similarly, monitoring temperature is essential for various treatment processes but is not a direct indicator of water safety regarding bacterial contamination. pH levels are also crucial for optimal chlorination efficiency, but they do not provide a measure of the actual bacteriological safety of the water. Therefore, evaluating bacteriological results provides the clearest indication of the success of chlorination efforts in achieving water safety.