Chlorine in your tap water: Is it safe?

Of all the chemicals added to the water systems across the world, chlorine is probably the most common. It is the universal cleansing chemical used to kill bacteria and micro-organisms that can lead to illnesses and water-borne diseases. The introduction of chlorine was revolutionary to the water industry in the UK in the late 1800s. It allowed us to properly combat diseases such as cholera and legionella.

Routine levels of chlorine used in mains water supplies are now around 0.5mg/l and the World Health Organisation (WHO) states that up to 5mg/l is acceptable. There is a lot of information around based on the varying effects consumption of chlorinated water can have on your body and while the levels that exist in tap water entering your home is deemed scientifically safe, exposure to chlorine consumption is not something which is ideal from a health point of view.

When chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water by-products called Trihalomethanes (THMs) are formed. These by-products can produce free-radicals in the body, which it has been well established can cause cell damage. When this cell damage occurs these free-radicals are considered carcinogenic. In the US, the Environmental Defence Fund states that: “Although concentrations of these carcinogens (THMs) are low, it is precisely these low levels that cancer scientists believe are responsible for the majority of human cancers in the United States.”

There are further concerning findings regarding chlorinated water emanating from the US. The Council of Environmental Quality has also stated that 'the risk of developing cancer is 93% higher in people who drink or are otherwise exposed to chlorinated water.'

There is a vast amount of information to be found on chlorine and its effects in drinking water. For example, chlorine has been found to irritate your skin in a number of ways.

It is important to keep in mind that the water supplies in the UK is comparably high with many other countries, the US included. Water.org.uk is a very good resource for details of water quality in your area. It has great downloads available based on water quality in relation to the EU drinking water directive. However, the EU directive does not remove the tap water odour or the distinctive hard taste of tap water.

The best way to make sure your drinking water quality is at the ideal level for you is to invest in an alkaline water filter. This removes all chlorine, odours and heavy metals making your water smooth, clean and mineral-rich. You can even carry out your own water quality tests instead of relying on mass publications from public bodies, giving you the surest peace of mind.

You can view more information about our product and read the reviews of our customers who are already enjoying healthier drinking water - free of that chlorine taste.