The Role of Chlorine in Drinking Water

Chlorine is one of the most widely used disinfectants in water treatment worldwide, and Australia is no exception. If you’ve ever wondered why chlorine is added to drinking water or how it affects your health, you’re in the right place. This blog explores the importance of chlorine in drinking water, its safety, and why it’s a common practice in Australian water supply systems.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything from what chlorine is to the benefits and concerns surrounding its use in public water. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of this crucial component in water safety.

Chlorine is a chemical element that’s commonly used as a disinfectant in water treatment processes. It’s highly effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can be harmful to human health. Chlorine has been used in water treatment since the early 20th century, revolutionising the way we ensure safe drinking water.

In Australia, chlorine is added to the water supply to protect residents from waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. By killing harmful microorganisms, chlorine ensures that the water you drink is clean and safe.

The chlorine disinfection process in water involves adding chlorine gas, chlorine bleach, or chloramine to the water during the treatment phase. This chemical reacts with pathogens and effectively neutralises them, ensuring that the water remains safe until it reaches your tap.

You might have heard concerns about the safety of chlorine in drinking water, especially regarding its taste or potential health risks. The good news is that the levels of chlorine used in Australia’s drinking water supply are strictly regulated and considered safe for consumption.

In Australia, the guidelines for chlorine levels in drinking water are established by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). The recommended chlorine concentration is between 0.2 and 0.5 milligrams per litre (mg/L). These levels are low enough to ensure water safety while minimising any potential risks to human health.

While chlorine levels in drinking water may result in a slight taste or smell, the concentrations used are far below levels that could harm you. To put it in perspective, the concentration of chlorine in drinking water is much lower than that found in swimming pools.

Chlorine in drinking water is generally regarded as safe, but there are some minor health effects that people may experience, especially if they are sensitive to the substance. Some individuals report symptoms like mild irritation in the eyes or skin when exposed to high levels of chlorine, but this is rare.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Australian health authorities have consistently confirmed that chlorinated water poses no significant risk to human health when the proper concentrations are used.

That said, if you’re concerned about chlorine in your tap water, there are ways to reduce exposure, which we’ll discuss later in this article.

Adding chlorine to drinking water has significant public health benefits. Some of the most notable advantages include:

Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that kills harmful microorganisms in water, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Without chlorine, the risk of waterborne diseases would be much higher. In Australia, the public health system relies heavily on chlorinated water to keep communities safe from diseases like salmonella and E. coli.

Chlorine provides ongoing protection against bacteria and other harmful microorganisms as water travels through pipes and distribution systems. Even after the water leaves treatment facilities, chlorine continues to disinfect it until it reaches your home or business. This long-lasting protection is crucial for ensuring the continued safety of the water supply.

While chlorine offers clear benefits, there are also some concerns that people often raise. Let’s take a look at the most common ones.

One of the most common complaints about chlorinated water is the taste and smell. The strong chemical odour of chlorine can be noticeable, particularly in areas with high chlorine levels. Some people find it unpleasant, but this doesn’t mean the water is unsafe.

There are several ways to improve the taste and odour of tap water. Using a reverse osmosis water filter in your home can help remove chlorine taste and smell.

When chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water, it can form by-products known as trihalomethanes (THMs). These by-products have been linked to potential health risks, including cancer. However, the levels of THMs in Australian drinking water are strictly regulated to ensure they remain well below levels that could pose any significant health risks.

To reduce your exposure to these by-products, you can install a filtration system that removes chlorine and its by-products.

Some individuals, particularly those with respiratory conditions like asthma, may be more sensitive to chlorine. The chlorine gas can irritate the airways in sensitive individuals, leading to symptoms like coughing or wheezing. While rare, those with respiratory issues might prefer to use water filters or drink bottled water if they are concerned about chlorine exposure.

If you’re concerned about chlorine in your drinking water, there are several ways to reduce exposure:

One of the most effective ways to remove chlorine from your tap water is by installing a reverse osmosis water filter. These filters are widely available in Australia and can significantly reduce chlorine levels, improving both the taste and safety of your drinking water.

If you prefer not to use a filter, you can let your tap water sit for a few hours. Chlorine is a volatile compound, and over time, it will evaporate, especially when the water is exposed to air.

Boiling water for several minutes can also help remove chlorine. This method is especially useful if you need chlorine-free water for cooking or drinking.

Ultimately, chlorine is a key player in protecting public health and ensuring that the water coming out of your tap is safe to drink. If you want the best of both worlds—safe, clean water without the chlorine taste—consider investing in a good water filtration system.