Laboratory technicians intensified water testing for chlorine: The network is being disinfected in Mykolaiv

In Mykolaiv, additional disinfection of the water supply network has begun. While the work is underway, tap water must not be used for drinking or cooking. It can still be used for household needs.

The drinking water laboratory at Mykolaivvodokanal Municipal Enterprise has stepped up testing, paying particular attention to free chlorine levels. How is the monitoring organized?

“Every hour, laboratory technicians take samples and test them for indicators such as free chlorine. Under state sanitary rules and regulations, the concentration of free chlorine must not exceed 0.5 milligrams per cubic decimeter,” explained Oksana Liubarets, an engineer and laboratory technician at the enterprise.

For testing, water is taken directly from the tanks where it is treated and disinfected. During additional chlorination, samples are collected immediately after the water is mixed with the disinfectant solution in the reservoirs.

Testing is also carried out at other points in the water supply system. In addition to free chlorine levels, specialists test:

• water odor;
• color;
• clarity;
• microbiological indicators.

According to Oksana Liubarets, the initial concentration of chlorine added for disinfection may not remain the same by the time the water reaches consumers. Its level is monitored as it leaves the reservoirs and must not exceed the established limit.

While the water supply system is being disinfected, tap water can be used for washing hands and dishes and doing laundry. Enhanced quality monitoring will continue throughout the additional disinfection period.

Source: Mykolaiv City Council.

We previously reported:

• Do not drink untreated water: Mykolaiv to chlorinate its water network starting November 2
• Mykolaiv plans to hyperchlorinate its water: the decision is already being challenged in court
• River water for Mykolaiv is being purified around the clock despite shelling
• Chlorine levels in the water will triple: Mykolaiv prepares to flush its network
• Chlorination of tap water in Mykolaiv reduced to a minimum after tests revealed biological contamination