Usually, we don\u2019t consider the\u00a0chemicals in our drinking water; however, every compound added through your city\u2019s water treatment process has a specific purpose. Chlorine is one of the most common chemicals applied to our water.<\/p>\n
So, why is it in there in the first place? Chlorine is added as a disinfectant. It eliminates bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Chlorine content must be high enough to neutralize germs, but low enough to avoid health problems. This is a delicate balance.<\/p>\n
Once added, Chlorine quickly forms compounds with other elements in the water, so its disinfecting properties dilute during processing. Chlorine testing can either include tests for \u201cfree chlorine,\u201d which is the amount of chlorine still available to disinfect the water, or \u201ctotal chlorine,\u201d which is the total amount of chlorine in the water. Additionally, water treatment facilities often mix ammonia with chlorine creating \u201cchloramines,\u201d and removing these compounds is vital.<\/p>\n
So, how do I know what is in my water, and how can I make sure I limit unnecessary chemicals? Here are a few suggestions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Request a Water Quality Report from Your City<\/strong> Requesting this information, or paying attention to it when it comes, may seem overwhelming or unnecessary; however, it can provide you with valuable information, especially if you plan to treat your tap water.<\/p>\n Test the Chlorine Levels of Your Water<\/strong> Manual Testing \u2013<\/strong> This is the cheaper route, but it does require more time. You can use chlorine testing strips, liquid solutions, or tablets to test chlorine in your water. Consider a\u00a0Water Treatment System<\/strong> Here are some other reasons why a system can be beneficial:<\/strong> Usually, we don\u2019t consider the\u00a0chemicals in our drinking water; however, every compound added through your city\u2019s water treatment process has a specific purpose. Chlorine is one of the most common chemicals applied to our water. So, why is it in there in the first place? Chlorine is added as a disinfectant. It eliminates bacteria, viruses, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3287,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires local governments to send water quality reports by July 1st each year. Usually, these reports have detailed information on where your water comes from and what the chemical contents are. Often, you can see a water quality ranking based on Federal EPA standards.<\/p>\n
\nUnfortunately, water from your tap is frequently different than when it left the treatment facility. Because of this, testing the chlorine levels can be useful. Typically, you have two options:<\/p>\n
\nAutomated Testing \u2013<\/strong> This involves purchasing an electronic device known as a colorimeter, but they can be moderately expensive. Despite its higher price, it takes less time to get results, so you don\u2019t have to wait around for water or strips to change colors.
\nTracking the chlorine levels can give you confidence that you\u2019re drinking clean water and showering without irritating your skin and damaging your hair.<\/p>\n
\nOften, we avoid redundancies in life because they waste time or cost too much. Why buy a treatment system for your home if the water is already treated by the city? Well, the chemical content can change by the time water gets to your tap, so a treatment system can greatly reduce your health risks.<\/p>\n
\nProtects your appliances\u00a0and plumbing from grit, wear and other damaging minerals.
\nConserves energy
\nAids in the prevention of irritated skin and eyes
\nRemoves harmful chemicals before you drink the water
\nIf you need more detailed information, seek out professional assistance. Qualified plumbing professionals, like our technicians at The Eco Plumbers<\/a>, can help you\u00a0understand your chlorine levels.Contact us today<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"