What happens to the disinfection action of chlorine as water temperature increases?

As water temperature increases, the disinfection action of chlorine is enhanced. Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of chemical reactions, which means that chlorine reacts more quickly and effectively with pathogens present in the water. This increased kinetic energy at elevated temperatures allows chlorine to penetrate cell walls and inactivate microorganisms more efficiently.

In practical terms, this means that at warmer temperatures, the same concentration of chlorine can be more effective at achieving a desired level of disinfection compared to cooler temperatures. This principle is critical in water treatment processes, as operators need to consider temperature when determining appropriate chlorine dosing to ensure effective disinfection.