What impact does allowing organic material to remain inside a water main during replacement have?

Allowing organic material to remain inside a water main during replacement significantly increases chlorine demand. Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant in water treatment processes, and its effectiveness can be hindered by the presence of organic matter. When organic materials are present in the water system, chlorine interacts with these substances, which can lead to the formation of chlorine demand. Essentially, the chlorine will react with the organic matter instead of efficiently disinfecting the water, necessitating a higher amount of chlorine to achieve the desired disinfection levels.

This increased demand can result in inadequate sanitation and may also lead to the formation of various byproducts, some of which could be harmful. Thus, proper removal of organic materials during maintenance or replacement of water mains is crucial to ensure effective disinfection and water quality.