Chlorine is used as a disinfectant and oxidizer in water treatment throughout the United States, including right here in Central PA. In many systems the chlorine is in the water through to the end use, which means that the consumer drinks, bathes and cooks with chlorinated water. Chlorine gives off “swimming pool” odor, damages seals in fixtures and appliances, fades clothing, and adds a bitter metallic taste to the water. Chlorine, and it’s by-products, can have negative health effects, according to the CDC. Is there chlorine in your water?
Chlorine is used in municipal water treatment systems because of economics and the ability to maintain a measurable residual throughout the water distribution system to ensure adequate dosages to keep the water bacteriologically safe to drink at all points of the system. Since chlorine is reduced as it reacts with contaminants, a higher amount of chlorine is needed at the source to maintain an adequate residual at the system end points. Users closest to the source experience the highest doses while users at the furthest outlets may get low amounts. Some vacation resorts have trouble maintaining safe levels in the off season, as little water is being used and the water sits in the system, except for the few users left who often have to deal with unpredictable quality water.
Can Chlorine Be Removed From Your Water?
Chlorine and its by-products can be removed by carbon filtration. A small POU (point of use) carbon filter can be applied to water for the small amount that is used for human consumption. There are many faucet mounted or pitcher type filters available to accomplish this. For POE (point of entry) whole-house chlorine reduction, a larger carbon filter via a whole home water filtration system can be used to eliminate the chlorine odor and hazards throughout your home. The chlorine has done its job in the distribution system to your home, but now you can safely remove it and not have to deal with its odor or health hazards.
This is best to have an experienced Water Quality Association certified professional handle the installation and maintenance of this water treatment filter. The carbon will have to be periodically replaced, but it is a dependable and relatively inexpensive method, if done right.
Free On-Site Water Testing
Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Mechanicsburg, and Surrounding Areas
So, how do you go about reducing the chlorine and other contaminants in your family’s drinking water? Start with a free in-home water test. We test for much more than just chlorine, and will recommend the water treatment solution that best fits your family’s needs and water usage.
