Temporary Switch to Chlorine Disinfection for Drinking Water
January 26, 2009
FAQs
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What is chloramine?
Chloramine is a disinfectant used to treat drinking water. It is formed by mixing
chlorine with ammonia. Although it is a weaker disinfectant than chlorine, it is
more stable and extends disinfectant benefits throughout a water utility's
distribution system (a system of pipes through which water is delivered to homes
and businesses). Chloramine helps to ensure that drinking water remains safe as it
travels from the treatment facility to the customer. Chloramine has been used by
water systems for almost 90 years, and its use is closely regulated.
Why the temporary change to chlorine disinfection?
Chlorine is used as a routine maintenance procedure to kill any bacteria in the
water system that may have become immune to chloramine.
Is chlorine disinfection new?
No. Chlorine disinfection has been the primary method to control waterborne
disease organisms for more than 100 years.
Disinfection of drinking water has eliminated waterborne diseases such as typhoid
and cholera in the USA.
Prior to the introduction of chlorine disinfection in the early 1900s, thousands of
people died every year from waterborne diseases.
The 50 percent life expectancy increase that occurred in the 20th century has been
attributed to drinking water disinfection, and Life magazine named water
chlorination as “probably the most significant public health advance of the
millennium.”
What will my water smell and taste like with chlorine?
If you notice any change at all, the water may have a slight chlorine taste or odor.
This taste/odor may be suggestive of, but not as strong as, the chlorine smell
associated with a swimming pool.
Is switching between disinfection methods safe?
Yes. Chlorine disinfection was used prior to switching to chloramine disinfection
in 2000.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves both chlorine and
chloramine as disinfectants.
Both chlorinated and chloraminated water is safe for bathing, drinking, cooking
and everyday water uses.
Can children and pregnant women drink chlorinated water?
Yes. If you have any questions, please ask your physician.
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Will it affect my baby’s formula that is prepared with tap water?
No. If you have any questions, please ask your physician.
What about people who are sensitive to chemicals?
The amount of chlorine will be extremely small – no more than 2.5 to 3
milligrams per liter of water.
If you have any questions, please ask your physician.
Can I wash open wounds with chlorinated water?
Yes. Even the large amounts of water used to clean a cut would have no effect.
Virtually no water actually enters the bloodstream through this route.
Can I use chlorinated water on ornamental plants, vegetables, or fruit and
nut trees? Will beneficial soil bacteria be harmed?
The small amount of chlorine should have no effect on plants of any type.
Beneficial bacteria will generally be protected by the soil in which they live.
Will chlorine affect my plumbing?
No. Water utilities that have switched between chloramine and chlorine have
reported that these materials are not affected by usual concentrations of the
disinfectant.
Will chlorine affect swimming pools?
No. You will still need to add chlorine to pool water to prevent algae and
bacterial growth. Contact your local pool supply store if you have specific
questions.
Does bottled water contain chlorine?
Some bottled water companies use water that has been disinfected with chlorine.
Will a carbon filter remove chlorine?
You should check with the manufacturer. Chlorine is normally removed with a
carbon filter; however, to remove chloramine the filter must contain high quality
granular activated carbon.
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Will letting water sit for a few days remove chlorine?
Yes. Unlike chloramine, which may take weeks to dissipate, chlorine will
dissipate when water sits for a few days.
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Can people on low sodium diets or with diabetes use chlorinated water?
Yes. If you have any questions, please ask your physician.
Questions related to kidney dialysis patients
Note: All dialysis clinics, hospitals, and medical centers have been notified by
certified mail about the temporary change to chlorine.
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Why do kidney dialysis patients have to take special precautions with the
water they use in dialysis?
In the dialysis process, water comes in contact with the blood across a permeable
membrane.
Like chloramine, chlorine must be removed from the water before it is used in
kidney dialysis machines.
Medical centers that perform dialysis remove the chloramine or chlorine that
enters the dialysis machines.
Is it safe for kidney dialysis patients to drink water containing chlorine?
Yes. Everyone can drink water that is chlorinated because the digestive process
neutralizes the chlorine before it reaches the bloodstream.
Only water that comes in contact with the bloodstream, as in dialysis, requires the
removal of chlorine and chloramine.
What should people with home dialysis machines do to remove chlorine?
No modifications should be needed during the temporary switch to chlorine.
If you have any questions, please ask your physician.
Questions related to fish owners
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Should I take special precautions with my aquarium or pond?
Chlorine and chloramines are harmful to fish. You should use water treatment
products that remove chlorine and chloramine for your aquarium or ponds. Most
pet stores have been selling de-chlorinating agents for years and generally have
recommended using them for fresh and saltwater tanks. See your pet store
supplier for more details.