In the bustling coastal city of Lezha, where the Adriatic Sea meets the rugged landscapes of north-western Albania, a quiet but vital public health safeguard is at work. For decades, chlorination has stood as the first line of defense against waterborne diseases, ensuring that every drop of drinking water delivered to homes and businesses is safe. Now, a new study led by Rozarta Nezaj of the Food Research Center at the Agricultural University of Tirana offers fresh insights into the effectiveness of this practice—and its implications for both public health and the energy sector.
Between January and May 2023, Nezaj and her team analyzed 1,963 drinking water samples from 13 monitoring points across the Barbulloja water supply system, which serves the city of Lezha. The findings, published in the *Albanian Journal of Natural and Technical Sciences* (translated as *Revista Shqiptare e Shkencave Natyrore dhe Teknike*), reveal that residual chlorine levels consistently fell within the permissible range of 0.2 to 0.4 mg/L—well below the maximum limits set by European and Albanian standards.
“These results confirm that the disinfection process is not only effective but also sustainable,” Nezaj explains. “The presence of residual chlorine at these levels ensures microbiological safety while minimizing the risk of over-chlorination, which can lead to taste and odor issues.”
For industries reliant on water—particularly energy producers, which require vast quantities for cooling, steam generation, and other processes—the implications are significant. Over-chlorination can accelerate corrosion in pipelines and equipment, leading to costly maintenance and downtime. Conversely, under-chlorination risks microbiological contamination, which could trigger regulatory penalties or reputational damage. The study’s findings suggest that Lezha’s water treatment infrastructure strikes an optimal balance, offering a model for other regions to emulate.
But the research also raises questions about the future of water disinfection. As climate change intensifies, water sources may become more vulnerable to contamination, necessitating adaptive strategies. Could alternative disinfection methods—such as ultraviolet (UV) treatment or advanced oxidation—complement or even replace chlorine in certain contexts? And how might energy-intensive processes like UV treatment impact operational costs for utilities and industries?
For now, Lezha’s water supply system stands as a testament to the enduring value of chlorination, backed by rigorous science. As Nezaj notes, “This study reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptation in water treatment. The health of our communities—and the efficiency of our industries—depend on it.”
The findings, published in the *Albanian Journal of Natural and Technical Sciences*, underscore a critical truth: the most effective solutions are often the simplest ones, but only when backed by data and innovation.