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Updated: February 24, 2023 August 29, 2012
Concerned about that funny chlorine smell in your drinking water?
While chlorine may conjure visions of swimming pools, did you know that it has been widely used as a disinfectant for drinking water since the early 1900s? In fact, chlorine has not only revolutionized water purification it has been hailed as the major public health achievement of the 20th century! 1
Today, chlorine remains the most widely used chemical for water disinfection to ward off waterborne diseases (for example, typhoid, hepatitis and cholera).2 But recent hoopla about water disinfection byproducts (DBPs) – which can make their way into the water supply – can lead to concerns about tap water safety. To help consumers sort the facts from the myths, let the Culligan Man answer some top consumer questions:
1. What is a disinfection byproduct?
DBPs form when disinfectants used to treat drinking water react with naturally occurring materials in the water. Trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids are the primary byproducts that result from the use of chlorine as a disinfectant.1,2
2. Are there actions being taken by federal and local agencies to monitor or reduce DBPs?
The EPA has regulated the presence of DBPs since 1979 to address potential health risks posed by chlorinated water. 1 And, in some communities, the EPA has even required water utilities to reduce the amount of DBPs by switching to alternative disinfectants such as chloramine.3
3. How do I know if my drinking water contains DBPs?
If you have concerns, you can turn to a couple of easy to access, reliable resources. Obtain a free copy of your Consumer Confidence Report from the EPA to see exactly what is in your local municipal water supply and how it is being treated before it reaches your home or simply review your annual water quality report that you receive from your local water utility.
4. What can I do to limit DBPs in my home’s drinking water?
Consider adding a household drinking water filtration system for an extra level of security. Culligan’s patented water filtration technology – including systems like Aqua-Cleer® – can be customized to reduce impurities4 in your water like aesthetic chlorine, lead, radium, and cysts.
1http://www.cdc.gov/safewater/publications_pages/thm.pdf
2http://www.epa.gov/dclead/disinfection.htm
3http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article/184191/57/Disinfectant-Change-Cou
4Impurities are not necessarily in your water.
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