A Device for Controlling the Chlorination in Small Umbrian Water Distribution Systems

Umbria is an Italian region characterized by a highly fragmented water supply and distribution system, with many small systems fed by local sources. Chlorination in these small systems faces several challenges, including strong fluctuating demand, low economic significance, and limited access to infrastructure. Due to Italian regulations, the resulting frequent noncompliance with water quality standards negatively impacts performance indicators and tariffs. This research explores the possibility of implementing a low-cost chlorination system designed to adapt to varying environmental conditions (e.g., water and environmental temperature fluctuations, changes in pH, etc.) and demands. A prototype of the device was developed and tested in the Water Engineering Laboratory of the University of Perugia, Italy, to assess its ability to apply a programmable chlorination model. The effects of electronic environmental noise, along with the reliability of water meters, thermometer measurements, dosing pump control, local logging, and remote data transmission, were tested under different conditions. The results demonstrated the instrument’s readiness for field applications in pilot studies under real-world conditions.