Let’s discuss chlorine in the water: is it preferable to eliminate it?
The chlorine
Let’s take a little trip back to our high school chemistry lesson. The WQA states that chlorine (Cl2) is a gas that is frequently used to cleanse water and as an oxidizing agent for organic molecules, manganese, iron, and hydrogen sulfide.
Although sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite, both of which are organic compounds, are what we refer to as chlorine in water, we shall refer to this pollutant as chlorine for the purposes of this article.
Water Quality Issues in Municipalities
Municipalities must apply a potent disinfection to get rid of microbiological microorganisms because of the numerous impurities present in municipal water collections. To eradicate any lingering germs, viruses, or parasites, many people treat the water with a disinfectant like chlorine or chloramine. Additionally, it is intended to safeguard the water while it travels through the municipality’s distribution system.
Disinfection by-products (DBPs) are produced when organics in the water come into contact with chlorine and chloramine. This results in additional pollutants in our water, including ones we are unaware of in the case of chloramine.
When it comes to collecting, filtering, and distributing water in large quantities, municipalities excel. However, without the use of a potent disinfectant, it is impossible to completely prevent microbiological and other contaminants from passing through. Even then, the water you and your family use and drink on a daily basis may still contain additional contaminants (like the disinfectant itself).
Real-time readings of sample contamination are not possible due to technological limitations. Therefore, the water that comes out of your faucet may not be the same water that was tested, even if the collected samples show satisfactory results when compared to current regulations.
Everyday Water Use by You and Your Family
Chlorine can have both internal and external effects on the body. It is unhealthy for your body to consume any amount of chlorine because it is a toxic chemical.
Additionally, chlorine has a detrimental effect on the flavor of ice cubes and drinking water. Many people wouldn’t claim to be able to taste chlorine, but the body will adapt and it will become normal. For example, if you are exposed to a particular odor frequently, your body will eventually become accustomed to it to the point where you aren’t aware of it.
Chlorine can also have an adverse effect on your body and skin by drying out your skin and possibly irritating your eyes. Because chlorine is absorbed through the skin, it can still enter your body through hand washing or showering, even if you purchase bottled water for drinking.
The Answer: How to Get Rid of Chlorine and Chloramine
Chlorine is eliminated from water by using activated carbon. An easy and efficient way to get rid of chlorine (sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite) and other organic chemicals is with a whole-house carbon system. While large homes would have needed a large system to maintain the expected flowrate ten years ago, technology has made it possible to remove chlorine effectively with a small footprint system.
Besides heavy metals, chlorine is one of the most harmful contaminants found in municipal water supplies but it is one of the easiest to remove. Chloramines require a special type of carbon filtration but are also quite easily removed with carbon.