CT Value (Water Disinfection)

09/26/25

“How can we quantify the effectiveness of chemical disinfection treatment?”

Chemical disinfection processes have a wide range of effectiveness. But what variables govern how much impact a certain process has? Well, it turns out by multiplying the concentration (C) in mg/L of a chemical by the amount of contact time (T) with the water, we can obtain the CT Value. While increasing concentration is generally helpful for CT values, it can also increase chemical byproducts, making increasing contact time more effective. Water treatment operators have lab data giving the CT values needed to destroy specific microorganisms.   

• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Urban Systems