Chlorination Systems

Chlorination Systems are a very useful and practical way to handle a wide variety of
water quality problems. Chlorine is an oxidant, meaning it can chemically change
the molecular structure of many impurities. Often times, the molecular structure of
the newly formed impurity is easier to remove from the water supply. An excellent
example of the oxidation process is the oxidation of iron. When chlorine in water
interacts with dissolved iron, it alters it from a ferrous (Fe2+) to a ferric (Fe3+)
state. The ferrous iron, sometimes called a clear water iron, cannot be easily filtered
out of water; however, the ferric iron, sometimes called red water iron can be easily
filtered out. Other impurities in the water are also affected by the oxidation principal
of chlorine.

Additionally, chlorine is a powerful disinfectant, able to kill bacteria, viruses, and

many other micro-organisms. This tactic has been used for over 100 years. Virtually
all municipally treated water has chlorine added, often in a couple different phases of
the treatment process. Although very effective for bacteria and viruses, there are
some micro-organisms such as cryptosporidium and giardia that are not effectively
destroyed by chlorination.

Although chlorine does have some wonderful properties, it also has some negative
characteristics. Chlorine will combine with certain organics in a water supply and
create other organic compounds. One set of these organic compounds are known
as Trihalomethanes, which have been linked with the occurrence of cancer. Another
negative of chlorinated water (especially in high doses) is that the water is more
aggressive towards piping, valves, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. Finally,
many consider chlorinated water to have an objectionable smell.

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But there is good news: the three negative characteristics of chlorinated water are
virtually eliminated on a GW Pumps & Purification chlorination system. Although
these negative characteristics exist after the chlorinator and retention tank, the water
is sent through a de-chlorination filter before going into the plumbing system. The
GW de-chlorination filter has been designed to remove oxidized iron,
trihalomethanes, chlorine, and many other impurities.

There are many components involved in a typical Chlorination system. The

following is a listing of the components and a short description of the purpose
of the component.

(A) Well – The water source

(B) Well Pump – The pump that provides water flow and pressure to the plumbing
system.
(C) Sample Port – A hose bib or other valve that is installed to test the water
quality. It is important to have a sample port prior to any water treatment equipment
to test the untreated water at this point.
(D) Injector Fitting – This is a special fitting that has been designed to handle the
corrosive chlorine and to prevent water from the pressurized pipe from flowing
backwards into the chlorinator and/or solution tank.
(E) Chemical feed pump – This is the pump that creates high pressure and low
flow. Depending on the model, some of these pumps flow as low as 1/4 ounce per
minute.
(F) Solution Tank – This tank is a non-pressurized tank that holds a mixture of liquid
chlorine and purified water. In some cases straight liquid chlorine is used. Upon
installation of your system, one of GW’s water experts will provide the proper mixture
for your tank.
(G) Retention Tank or Contact Tank – This tank is designed to provide sufficient
contact time, usually about 20 minutes, for the chlorine to properly serve its intended
purpose. If you want to be able to continuously flow 5 gpm, you would need a 120
gallon retention tank. In no case should a system be installed without a retention
tank.
(H) Pressure Tank – This tank uses compressed air in a sealed compartment to act
as a buffer, storing the pressure created by the well pump. When filled (or at ~50
PSI), this tank should contain about 30% water and 70% compressed air. When
nearing empty (or at ~30 PSI), this tank should contain only 2-3% water and 97-98%
air. At ~30PSI the well pump should turn on and begin serving the needs of the
home and also filling the pressure tank with water. The well pump will continue to
run until the pressure reaches ~50 PSI. The experts at GW prefer to install the
pressure tank after the retention tank to keep flow going past the injector fitting
during normal system operation.
(I) Pressure Switch – Based upon the pressure being sensed, this switch turns on/off
the well pump. Most Chlorination water systems also use the pressure switch to
turn on/off the chemical feed pump at the same time the well pump turns on/off.
(J) Sample Port – A hose bib or other valve that is installed to test the water
quality. It is important to have a sample port prior to the de-chlorination

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filter. Water at this point should contain the presence of free chlorine, If it does not,
adjustments may be required to the chlorination system.
(K) De-chlorination filter – This filter removes the excess chlorine from the water
supply, and also a wide variety of organics. The model shown in the image above
includes an automatic back-washing controller. If iron or manganese is present in
the well water, it is very important to install a back-washing de-chlorination filter.
(L) Water out – Water leaving this point is ready for either further treatment by a
softener or other device and/or distribution into the plumbing system.

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