While pouring a glass of tap water, do you ever consider what lurks in it? Tap water may appear crystal clear but it often contains chlorine and many hidden impurities, which are not visible to the naked eye. Chlorine is commonly added as a disinfectant in public water supplies across the United States, as it helps kill harmful bacteria and ensures that water remains safe for human consumption.
Let’s uncover the effects of chlorine in drinking water and how it impacts our health, taste and the environment.
Why Chlorine Is Added to Water?
For over a century, chlorine has been used for disinfecting drinking water. The aim of using it is to kill bacteria, viruses, parasites and other pathogens that may cause the spread of waterborne diseases. It is only due to chlorine usage that many waterborne illnesses that once caused large-scale deaths in human communities have drastically reduced. Thus when seen at large, chlorine plays a vital role in ensuring that the water supplied to your home remains safe for drinking.
The Health Effects of Chlorine in Drinking Water
Although chlorine proves to be effective in protecting us against various microorganisms, it’s crucial to understand its health implications. According to the health authorities and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the amount of chlorine used in drinking water is generally considered safe. However, some individuals who have more sensitive skin or body may experience problems like irritated eyes, dry skin, redness on the body, or stomach discomfort after consuming chlorinated water.
Research is still being conducted on the long-term effects of chlorine exposure, however past research has shown that when chlorine interacts with organic matter in water, it leads to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like haloacetic acids (HAAs) and trihalomethanes (THMs). Some studies have linked long-term exposure to high levels of disinfection byproducts with an increased risk of certain health issues, including cancer. However, health authorities closely regulate and monitor the levels of DBPs in tap water to minimize such health risks.
Impact on Taste and Odor
A common effect of chlorine in drinking water is how it impacts its taste and odor. Many individuals notice that water that contains chlorine has a distinct taste and smell, some describe it to be similar to a swimming pool as pools also contain chlorine. This taste and odor can be off-putting and some people may start to avoid drinking water altogether. Investing in a high-quality water filtration system can help remove chlorine and improve the quality of your home’s water by elevating its taste.
Environmental Considerations
Other than impacting the taste of water and our health, chlorine also has a major environmental impact. When chlorine-treated water is released into natural water bodies, it can cause serious harm to aquatic life as even in low concentrations chlorine can be toxic for fish and other aquatic animals. Although water treatment plants are built to reduce chlorine discharge into the environment, some amount of chlorine can still make its way into rivers and lakes and in turn, affect our local ecosystems.
What You Can Do?
To reduce your chlorine exposure and keep your loved ones safe, you can invest in an advanced whole home water filter in Tampa Bay, FL. Superior Water offers high-quality water filters that are designed to remove chlorine, heavy metals and a wide range of contaminants from the water. So whether you’re concerned about chlorine or are just looking to improve the taste and quality of your tap water, we’re here to help you find the right solution.
