Using chlorination water treatment for your household water supply may be beneficial, but there are several things you need to know before using this method. Some of the most important things to know include the safety of using this method, the cost of using it, and the effects it may have on your family.
Discoloration, odor and bitter- metallic taste
During water treatment, chlorine is used to disinfect the water and to prevent harmful bacteria from forming. Adding chlorine to water can interact with organic materials in the plumbing system and may also give off a smell.
The chlorine odor is a normal occurrence, usually dissipating after several minutes of exposure to the air. In order to get rid of the smell, you can either turn on the outside faucet or boil the water. Lemon slices or vitamin C can also help eliminate the odor.
Similarly, the metallic taste of water is usually attributed to high levels of iron and manganese. Depending on the metal concentration, water treatment options may vary.
Several other substances are also associated with metallic taste in water. Zinc, Copper and Lead are some of the most common culprits. If you have lead in your plumbing, you should contact your local water department to find out if it is safe to use in your water supply.
Increased formation of disinfection by-products
During chlorination water treatment, disinfection by-products (DBPs) can be formed. These are toxic compounds and pose health risks to people. In many cases, water suppliers must monitor for and control the formation of disinfection by-products.
Disinfection by-products are produced when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in water. They include haloacetic acids (HAAs), trihalomethanes (THMs), and chlorite. These compounds can cause kidney problems and central nervous system effects.
The EPA has established limits for several types of DBPs. These limits are aimed at protecting people from chronic exposures to halogenated disinfection by-products. In addition, regulations have been developed for a subset of DBPs that are known to be carcinogenic.
Chlorination can also promote formation of haloacetonitrils (HACs) and trihalomethanes (THMs). These compounds are regulated to minimize risk to public health.
THMs are present to some degree in all chlorinated drinking water systems. They are most commonly found in swimming pools. They have been associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer.
Safety for human consumption
Using chlorination to disinfect drinking water is an effective method to prevent waterborne diseases. However, it can produce byproducts that are undesirable and pose health risks to humans.
In the United States, chloramine has been used as a disinfectant since 1929. However, early studies have been difficult to interpret. Regulatory agencies have characterized only a limited number of DBPs, making it difficult to determine toxicity drivers.
The formation of inorganic chloramines is a result of the reaction between chlorine and ammonia. If there is a significant background level of ammonia in the water supply, inorganic chloramines will be formed.
Early studies did not have quantitation methods for determining the amount of free chlorine present in chlorinated water. Instead, they rely on thiosulfate titrations to measure the total chlorine residual. In these experiments, no free chlorine was detected.
The formation of free available chlorine (FAC) or hypochlorous acid (HCL) is dependent on pH. At a pH of 10, FAC is produced by a hydrogen ion, while HCL is produced by a hypochlorite ion.
Cost
Currently, most public water treatment facilities chlorinate their water supply. Chlorine is used to remove contaminants and aid treatment processes. This process also improves the appearance of tap water.
Chlorine is derived from salt and is a powerful disinfectant. It is available in various forms. Calcium hypochlorite, chlorine gas, and sodium hypochlorite are common types. The cost of chlorination water treatment depends on the type of chlorine used.
Chlorine disinfection is considered the most cost-effective method. This type of treatment is also effective at removing turbidity and reducing the risk of diarrhoea. It also reduces the risk of lead contamination by oxidizing manganese.
Chlorination also increases the pH of water. However, overdosing can raise the pH to an unsafe level. It also irritates the mucous membranes of the human body. It is highly toxic and can be fatal with adequate exposure.
Other methods of disinfection are also effective. However, they do not provide residual. Therefore, testing is important to make sure the treatment is used appropriately.