Spatial Diversity of Chlorine Residual in a Drinking Water Distribution System

Abstract

Chlorine residuals of drinking water have long been recognized as an excellent indicator for studying water quality in the distribution network. This research applied factor analysis and cluster analysis to determine the spatial diversity of chlorine residual in the distribution system of Feng-Yuan city. Thirteen sampling sites were established. From the results of factor analysis, the sampling sites of the study area could be classified into three groups: residential zone, mixed zone, and commercial zone. The spatial diversity of chlorine residual was found to correlate with the daily lifestyle of the inhabitants and the commercial activities. From the results of cluster analysis, the sampling sites of the study area could also be classified into three groups: high-chlorine-level zone, medium-chlorine-level zone, and low-chlorine-level zone. By combining the results of factor analysis and cluster analysis, the worst case scenarios for drinking water quality in the distribution network also could be determined.