A New Era of Disinfection for Springfield Drinking Water

For over a century, chlorine has been central to drinking water treatment in the United States. Its introduction in 1908 in Jersey City and Chicago revolutionized public health, drastically reducing waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid. Chlorination is often cited by organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20^th century.

But as our understanding of water chemistry and public safety has evolved, so too have our disinfection strategies. At the Commission, we’re proud to be part of that evolution.

Springfield’s Drinking Water Disinfection History

Springfield takes great pride in its water system, which has incorporated filtration since the early 1900s. The city began disinfecting its drinking water in 1965. This was due to state regulations for chlorination of surface water supplies, as federal regulations did not exist until the passage of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in 1974. Today, the Commission continues to follow the established regulations for safe disinfection of surface water supplies and works to optimize treatment and dosing to maintain high standards of safety and water quality.

Moving to Safer Disinfection Alternatives  

Historically, chlorine gas was the disinfectant of choice. It was effective, economical, and widely available. Starting around 1999, utilities began transitioning away from chlorine gas toward safer alternatives like sodium hypochlorite when possible, which is less hazardous to store and handle.

At the Commission, we’re embracing this change at the new West Parish Water Treatment Plant, which will use liquid sodium hypochlorite instead of chlorine gas. This move aligns with industry best practices and reflects our commitment to both public health and employee safety.

What Makes Sodium Hypochlorite Better?

Unlike chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite is a liquid disinfectant that poses fewer risks during transport and storage. While it still requires careful management and safety protocols, it’s easier to manage operationally and doesn’t require the same level of emergency planning as chlorine gas. Plus, it’s just as effective at killing microbial pathogens when properly dosed and monitored.

Disinfection and Disinfection Byproducts

The new water treatment plant is being constructed in part to address regulatory compliance for disinfection byproducts (DBPs). DBPs form in the finished drinking water when chlorine reacts with dissolved natural organic matter (NOM) found in surface water supplies, such as Cobble Mountain Reservoir.

While sodium hypochlorite can also cause DBPs to form when it reacts with NOM in water, the new plant includes an added treatment step, Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), to remove more NOM prior to filtration, thus reducing DBP formation in the finished drinking water.

Looking Ahead

The use of sodium hypochlorite at the new treatment plant will provide a safer disinfection method and will not compromise efforts to improve water quality or compliance with regulatory requirements.

Disinfection may be a behind-the-scenes process, but it’s one of the most critical steps in delivering safe, clean drinking water. This is just one of the many upgrades at the new West Parish Treatment Plant that will bring 21st century water treatment to our community.