Fresenius Water System Practice Exam

When a chlorine breakthrough occurs after a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filter, the immediate response should be to pause treatment. This step is critical because it prevents potentially harmful levels of chlorine from entering the system and affecting the water quality. GAC filters are designed to adsorb chlorine, and if breakthrough is detected, it indicates that the filter is no longer effectively removing chlorine from the water. Continuing treatment during such an event could compromise the safety and health of those consuming the water.

Pausing treatment allows operators to assess the situation, investigate the cause of the breakthrough, and make decisions on how to address the issue—whether that involves inspecting or replacing the GAC media, checking the flow rate, or evaluating the chlorine levels to determine the extent of the problem. This approach prioritizes safety and maintains the integrity of the water treatment process.