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Well Shocking: Chlorine, Chloramine, or Chlorine Dioxide?

Well Shocking: Chlorine, Chloramine, or Chlorine Dioxide?

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Well shocking is the most common method for killing bacteria and disinfecting wells in order to make the water safe to drink once again.

In most instances, well shocking is a job for professionals. It requires the right chlorine mixture, careful calculations, the ability to adjust procedures to accommodate special challenges such as low flow rates, and much more.

For instance, chlorine-based compounds are quite effective against most microbial invaders, but they work best at very specific pH levels. Use too little and the disinfection process will fail. Use too much and you reduce biocidal action, make the water too alkaline, promote corrosion, damage critical metal components and encourage the formation of chlorine gas. Flush the system improperly and you could damage your septic system as well.

To help you better understand your options, we’ve highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of the three most widely used compounds.

Chlorine
Chlorine (bleach) has the longest track record as a water disinfectant and remains the most widely used compound today. It’s available in gas and liquid form, it’s affordable and effective, and it’s fairly simple to use. In a highly diluted state, it’s comparatively harmless when ingested and has fewer direct health threats than the alternatives.

On the downside, it’s corrosive in strong concentrations. If residual chlorine levels are too high, you may experience eye and nose irritation, and drinking too overly chlorinated water can cause stomachaches or queasiness.

Chloramine
Chloramine is an effective biocidal and is particularly useful as a residual disinfectant for plumbing pipes and water distribution components. First chlorine is added to the water followed by ammonia, and these two compounds interact to form chloramine.

High concentrations of residual chloramine can irritate your eyes, nose and stomach. Ingesting higher levels over a period of time can lead to or exacerbate anemia.

Chlorine Dioxide
Chlorine dioxide kills bacteria and controls unpleasant odors and tastes in water. In combination with its ability to dissipate more quickly than the other forms, these factors mean it’s often the preferred choice for water held in storage tanks.

If residual concentrations are too high, they can have harmful effects particularly over time. High levels have been associated with nervous system issues in infants and young children, and they may have a similar effect on a developing fetus if routinely ingested by a pregnant woman. Long term consumption can lead to anemia.

All three forms are considered safe when handled properly. Since 1929, chlorine-based disinfectants have been used in the US to improve the safety of drinking water, and most public water systems today opt for chlorine or chloramine, or switch back and forth between the two. To disinfect your water well system, consult with your water well driller to determine which compound(s) and what strategy will be most effective for you.

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