What chlorine residual level is recommended after completing a new well?

The recommended chlorine residual level after completing a new well is 50 mg/L (or ppm). This concentration is used because it is sufficient to effectively disinfect the water and eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens that may be present following the construction or rehabilitation of the well. The disinfection process aims to ensure that the water is safe for consumption and points towards effective management of water quality.

In well disinfection, achieving an appropriate level of chlorine is critical to ensure microbial safety while also considering the impact on taste and odor that higher concentrations might have in drinking water. While other levels exist, 50 mg/L strikes a balance that is both effective for disinfection and practical for water quality standards. It typically allows for sufficient contact time and residual presence of chlorine, ensuring that the disinfection process is thorough without overwhelming the system with too high a concentration which could cause secondary issues.