What is the appropriate hold time for chlorine samples before analysis?

For chlorine samples, the appropriate hold time before analysis is 15 minutes. This short timeframe is crucial due to the volatile nature of chlorine; it can dissipate from water samples if not analyzed quickly. If the sample is held for too long, the results may underrepresent the actual chlorine concentration present in the water, leading to inaccurate assessments of water quality. Therefore, adhering to the 15-minute hold time ensures that measurements reflect the true levels of chlorine at the time of sampling, which is vital for maintaining safe drinking water standards. Accurate analysis within this timeframe is essential for effective monitoring and regulation of water treatment processes.