What does a breakthrough indicate in water quality testing?

A breakthrough in water quality testing specifically refers to the point at which contaminants, such as chlorine or other chemical substances, begin to appear at significant levels in treated water. When test results indicate a concentration at or above 0.10 parts per million (ppm), it signifies that the filtration system, particularly activated carbon filters, may no longer be effectively removing the contaminants from the water, leading to a potential health risk.

This is crucial for maintaining water safety standards. Monitoring breakthrough levels is essential for ensuring that the filtration system continues to operate efficiently and that the water remains safe for consumption. Therefore, achieving a result at or above this threshold is an important diagnostic metric in evaluating water treatment efficiency.