This study investigated the inactivation of the total coliform, an indicator organism in chlorine and chlorine in order to control microbial regrowth for water distribution systems and select an appropriate disinfection strategy for drinking water systems. The disinfection effects of chlorine and chlorine dioxide with regard to the dosage of disinfectant, contact time and DOC was investigated experimentally. In spite of the consistency of chlorine residuals at approximately 0.2 mg/l, bacteria regrowth was detected in the distribution system and it was confirmed by the scanning electron microscope results. The influence of organic carbon change on the killing effect of chlorine dioxide was strong.