Using nitrification potential curves to evaluate full‐scale drinking water distribution systems

Abstract

Nitrification potential curves were recently introduced as a practical way of determining whether water quality conditions are conducive to the establishment of nitrification in chloraminated drinking water distribution systems. The innovative concept links the total chlorine and free ammonia concentrations found in chloraminated distribution systems to the growth and inactivation kinetics of the ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria responsible for nitrification. In this study, nitrification potential curves were developed for three full‐scale, chloraminated distribution systems. The curves were then used to evaluate the nitrification control strategies in effect at each system and show how operational changes such as reducing water age or increasing pH could affect nitrification potential.