With more than 30 years’ experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Mark Nelson is a Class 1 Drinking-Water Operator and a CBWA (Canadian Bottled Water Association) Certified Plant Operator. As founder and president of Nelson Water in Ottawa, Mark focuses on dealing with challenging water treatment system designs for problem water. He also heads the largest water bottling plant in the city of Ottawa with a delivery network throughout the Valley.

Chlorine has been used as a disinfectant for many years, and is primarily associated as a disinfectant in swimming pool water. But many are not aware that chlorine has also been used to disinfect drinking water for over 100 years. Chlorine odor is primarily associated with cleaning products, and it can be particularly worrisome when you notice the smell of chlorine coming from your drinking water.

Why is Chlorine Used In Drinking Water?

Chlorine revolutionized water purification, and is considered by many to be one of the greatest achievements in public health of the 20th century. Chlorine has been used to protect the general public from viral contaminants and bacteria in water supplies, which have been responsible for serious outbreaks of illnesses such as cholera.

Today, chlorine is used at municipal water treatment facilities to neutralize waterborne diseases such as hepatitis, cholera, and typhoid. Chlorine use can leave water disinfectant byproducts, or DBPs, in your water supply. But is this something homeowners should fear?

The Potential Danger of DBPs

DBPs are formed when the disinfectant being used to treat drinking water supplies have a reaction with certain naturally occurring materials within the water. The most common byproducts from using chlorine to treat drinking water include trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids.

Exposure to DBPs typically occurs through ingestion of contaminated water, but DBPs can also be absorbed through the skin. There have been a number of studies conducted into the potential health risks associated with DBPs, and studies have shown a possible link between exposure and an increased risk of developing cancer. Studies have also illustrated potential links between exposure and reproductive health issues, including lower birth weights in infants and a higher risk of miscarriage. Unfortunately, there have been no conclusive research studies that have established a strong link between DBP exposure and health risks.

DBPs and Domestic Water Supplies

If your drinking water has a chlorine smell, there is a good chance that it may contain DBPs. These DBPs can pose a potential health risk, and should be treated accordingly.

There are a number of domestic water filter products that can remove DBPs from drinking water. Water filters offer an additional level of security against DBP contamination, and can remove other potentially harmful contaminants, including nitrates. A whole house water filtration system can help eliminate DBPs in your water, allowing you to bathe and drink with the confidence that you’re not absorbing or ingesting harmful byproducts. Be sure to enlist the help of a water treatment professional to ensure your home’s water supply is fresh and clean.