-DSlope325–375 is sensitive to changes in HS samples during chlorination. A strong correlation exists between -DSlope325–375 and Fmax obtained from EEM-PARAFAC. XPS reveals the alteration in the hydrophilicity of HS after chlorination. Increasing the chlorine dosage reduces fouling rates and increases HS permeability. -DSlope325–375 can evaluate the NaOCl cleaning efficacy from forward flushing.