It is necessary to add chlorine to the water in order to maintain water quality all the way to the tap and to protect the water from any risk of accidental contamination...
Chlorine in water
What does chlorine do ?
Chlorine prevents the growth of bacteria and micro-organisms in the water. Acting as a food preservative, it is responsible for maintaining water quality throughout the whole of the water supply system.
Why do we add chlorine ?
On leaving the water treatment plant, the water is of an excellent bacteriological quality and only contains elements which are good for one's health, primarilymineral salts.
It is necessary to add chlorine to the water in order to maintain water quality all the way to the tap and keep the water free from any risk of accidental contamination.
It is added in small doses as the water leaves the water treatment plant and then at different stages in the water supply system.
How much chlorine is there in tap water ?
This depends on the bacteriological quality of the water and on the country. On average 0.1 to 4 milligrams of chlorine per liter of water is added at different stages in the water supply system. As a result when it gets to your tap, the water is perfectly pure and contains the equivalent of one to twenty drops of chlorine for every 1,000 liters* of water (i.e. five baths).
* 1000 liters = 264.17 Gallons (US)
Is chlorine bad for your health ?
Used in small doses, chlorine is harmless. On the contrary, it is a powerful disinfectant which prevents any possible contamination of the water.
Are there any subsitutes for chlorine ?
Other products can be used to ensure complete disinfection and preserve the water throughout the whole of the public water supply system, but their use is limited to certain types of water. Chlorine remains a very effective product and at the same time does not pose any health risks.
What can you do to tone down the smell of chlorine ?
At different stages in the water supply system, the smell of the chlorine in the water will be stronger than elsewhere. If it is bothering you, here is some practical advice for you to follow to tone down the smell:
-
leave the water in the fresh airfor some moments before drinking it ;
-
store water in the refrigerator in glass bottles or carafes (for no longer than 24 hours) ;
-
add ice or some drops of lemon juice before drinking it.
As chlorine evaporates easily, these simple and easy measures are usually sufficient to remove any unpleasant smell. If despite of all that, the smell of chlorine still seems very strong to you, do not hesitate to get in touch with your water supply company.
