How long should a new well be disinfected with chlorine?

Disinfecting a new well with chlorine is a vital step to ensure that the water supply is free from harmful microorganisms and bacteria. The recommended duration for disinfection is 24 hours because this period allows enough time for the chlorine to effectively kill pathogens and ensure that the water is safe for human consumption.

During this time, the chlorine's chemical properties allow it to react with any contaminants present in the well. A 24-hour contact time is generally sufficient to achieve an effective level of disinfection while preventing potential recontamination from residual microorganisms.

If the disinfection period were shorter, such as 12 hours, it may not provide adequate time for the chlorine to fully disinfect all areas of the well, including the casing and screen. Extending the disinfection to longer durations like 48 or 72 hours, while still effective, can be unnecessary and may lead to issues like the formation of chlorinated by-products or increased complexity in well management. Therefore, the standard guideline of 24 hours strikes a balance between effectiveness and practicality.