Chlorine in Water

For over 100 years, chlorine has been key in cleaning public water. It’s been used non-stop since 1908 and has greatly reduced diseases spread by water. Chlorine is the most common way to clean water worldwide. It kills germs that cause serious illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.

But while chlorine is important for safe drinking water, too much can be harmful. The trick is to use enough chlorine to kill germs without causing health or environmental problems. Too much chlorine can create harmful substances in the water and irritate the skin and eyes immediately. Getting this balance right is important to keep people healthy without causing other issues.

 

Reasons for Chlorination

Chlorination is a key part of modern water treatment for good reasons. This proven method does more than just clean water; it is a key part of providing safe drinking water to millions worldwide. Let’s look at the main reasons why chlorine is still a top choice for treating water:

1. Disinfection: The primary purpose is to kill bacteria and eliminate pathogens that can cause illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
2. Residual protection: Chlorine provides ongoing disinfection as water travels through pipes to homes and businesses.
3. Biofilm prevention: It helps prevent the growth of biofilms in distribution systems.
4. Oxidation: Chlorine can remove some undesirable compounds, improving taste and odor.
5. Cost-effective: It’s an economical method for large-scale water treatment.

These reasons show why chlorine is so important in water treatment. Chlorine is a good solution for many water quality problems, doesn’t cost too much, and protects water for a long time. While there are other ways to disinfect water, chlorine’s long history of success and many benefits make it vital to keeping our water safe and clean today. 

 

Signs of Excessive Chlorine in Water

Chlorine plays a vital role in water purification, but excessive amounts can lead to various issues. Identifying signs of high chlorine levels in your water supply is crucial for protecting your health and household. These indicators encompass a range of sensory and physical effects that you might notice in your daily life. 

By familiarizing yourself with these signs, you’ll be better equipped to promptly recognize and address potential water quality problems. The following list outlines key indicators that may suggest your water contains more chlorine than necessary:

1. Strong Odor: A powerful chlorine or “pool-like” smell is often the first indicator of high chlorine levels.
2. Taste Issues: Water may have a noticeable chemical or bleach-like taste.
3. Eye Irritation: Redness, itching, or burning sensation in the eyes after showering or swimming.
4. Skin Problems: Dry, itchy, or irritated skin after bathing; worsening of existing skin conditions.
5. Hair Dryness: Unusually dry or brittle hair; color-treated hair may fade faster.
6. Respiratory Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, especially in enclosed shower spaces.
7. Stained Laundry: Accelerated fading or discoloration of clothes washed in highly chlorinated water.
8. Corrosion: Increased wear on plumbing fixtures, potentially leading to leaks or pipe damage over time.
9. Plant Health: Houseplants watered with tap water may show signs of stress or yellowing leaves.
10. Test Strip Results: Home water testing kits showing chlorine levels above recommended standards (typically four parts per million for drinking water).

If you notice several of these signs, you may want to consider additional water treatment options for your home.

 

Potential Harm from Excessive Chlorine

While chlorine is crucial for water disinfection, excessive levels can lead to health concerns and other issues:

1. Trihalomethanes (THMs): Chlorine can react with organic matter in water to form THMs, which are potentially carcinogenic compounds.
2. Respiratory Issues: High chlorine levels in indoor pools or showers may irritate the respiratory system, potentially exacerbating asthma or causing other breathing difficulties.
3. Altered Gut Microbiome: Some studies suggest that highly chlorinated water might affect the balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system.
4. Taste and Odor Problems: High chlorine levels can cause your water to have an unpleasant, “pool-like” taste and smell, discouraging proper hydration.
5. Pipe Corrosion: Excessive chlorine can accelerate corrosion in plumbing systems, potentially leading to leaks or contamination from pipe materials.
6. Environmental Impact: When highly chlorinated water is released into the environment, it can harm aquatic ecosystems.

Water treatment plants must keep chlorine levels within safe, legal limits in the United States. Chlorine in drinking water is safe within legal limits. However, local variations can occur, and individuals with specific sensitivities may react to even standard chlorine levels.

If you’re concerned about the amount of chlorine in your water, you have two options. You can test your water at home using a testing kit or get a free water analysis from your local water treatment company, such as Besco Water. Call us at (800) 964-0257 or complete our online form to request your free home water analysis today.

 

Treating Chlorinated Water

While chlorine benefits public health, some people prefer to remove it for taste, odor, or other reasons. Whether you have too much chlorine in your water or prefer to remove all chlorine from your water, there are many treatment processes to choose from. Here are a few methods to treat chlorinated water:

1. Activated Carbon Filtration: Carbon filters effectively remove chlorine through adsorption.
2. Reverse Osmosis: These drinking water systems remove chlorine along with other contaminants.
3. UV Light: This filtration system uses UV light to neutralize chlorine, working especially well when combined with carbon filtration.

It’s important to note that while these methods can improve taste and odor, removing chlorine also eliminates its protective effects against pathogens, bacteria, and viruses. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain proper hygiene and consider the source and storage of treated water.

 

Besco Water Treatment Chlorine in Water Solutions

At Besco Water Treatment, we understand the complex balance between effective water disinfection and minimizing potential health risks. Our advanced water treatment solutions are designed to maintain optimal chlorine levels, ensuring your water is safe from harmful pathogens while minimizing the formation of disinfection byproducts. 

We offer a range of technologies, from advanced carbon filtration methods to water softeners to reverse osmosis systems. Besco Water Treatment is committed to providing safe and delicious water that meets industry standards. This applies to both city water systems and residential water solutions.

Our team of experts is always available to assess your individual needs and recommend the best treatment options for your situation. Get started today by calling us at (800) 964-0257 or filling out our online form.