Loretto, Tennessee – October 29, 2026 -- Over-dosing disinfectant wastes chemicals, accelerates equipment wear and can create regulated byproducts, according to Justin McGee of Southeastern Tank, who argues that water treatment operators should manage dosing by precision rather than volume.
Over-dosing creates regulated byproducts and equipment wear
McGee told HelloNation that adding more disinfectant does not automatically improve safety. Excess dosing can form trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, compounds regulated because of potential health risks. Chemicals added in excess must later be neutralized or flushed from the system, which raises energy and maintenance costs.
Fixed doses fail when temperature and flow change
Disinfectant decay rates vary with flow rate, temperature and water chemistry. A fixed dose that works in summer can fall short in cooler months or during higher-demand periods. McGee says operators should treat dosing as a dynamic process driven by real-time data.
Drifting metering pumps cause overfeed and underfeed
Metering pumps that drift out of calibration can miss their target by large margins. McGee recommends routine verification of pump output and flow monitoring to hold chemical-to-water ratios steady. Automated systems can adjust feed in proportion to flow without manual correction.
Sensors for chlorine residual, pH and ORP give immediate feedback
Sensors tracking chlorine residual, pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) let operators adjust before water quality is affected. Chlorine becomes less active as pH rises, which prompts some operators to overfeed. McGee advises correcting pH instead.
Poor mixing leaves localized hot spots and under-treated zones in the tank. Uneven concentrations can degrade coatings and shorten equipment life. Engineered mixing systems or strategically placed inlets spread chemicals evenly.
Automation still needs trained operators and records
Sensors need periodic cleaning, pumps need inspection and software setpoints need verification to prevent drift or data errors. Detailed records of dosage rates, residual readings and calibration data reveal seasonal patterns and equipment wear. McGee says this supports preventive maintenance rather than reactive troubleshooting.