Chlorine in Drinking Water
Too Much Chlorine in Your Water?
Here’s How to Tell, and What to Do About It.
If you have municipal water, no doubt you realize its treated with chlorine. Chlorine is a necessary ingredient in water filtration to kill off bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and other pathogens. Pathogens present in water can be transmitted through a drinking water distribution system, causing waterborne disease in those who consume it.
That’s why chlorine is used to kill these pathogens in municipal water supplies. Without minor levels of chlorination, you would be susceptible to such diseases as typhoid, dysentery, cholera – even cancer. At the same time, city water systems are carefully tested and monitored to meet EPA standards on what constitutes acceptable levels of chlorine. At low levels, chlorine is not a health risk.
A New Study from Johns Hopkins University
A new study out of Johns Hopkins University has found that some municipal water supplies contain toxic levels of chlorine. The same study revealed that that chlorine, when used to disinfect water, can create “highly toxic byproducts” called phenols. At the same time, phenols are used in many medications and, in small doses, pose no health risks.
Still, how would you know if your water supply was contained concentrated levels of chlorine or phenols? These are some of the symptoms:
- Sudden onset of sneezing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Burning sensation in the throat
- Itchy eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Skin redness
- Dull chest pain
If you’ve ever swallowed chlorine in a swimming pool, you’ve probably experienced one or more of these symptoms.
Drink Water with Greater Confidence
Your body is comprised of up to 60% water. So, it stands to reason the better the quality of water you ingest, the healthier you’ll be.
There’s a very good chance your water supply – municipal or well – is fine as is. Still, if you want to be extra careful or are concerned that your water might have higher-than-acceptable levels of contaminants, we invite you to contact Messmer Mechanical for accurate water testing and, where needed, exactly the right solution.
By installing a Kinetico Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration system, for example, we can help you enjoy:
- Removes chlorine, fluoride, bacteria, arsenic and numerous other contaminants at the source
- Improves taste and removes unpleasant odors by removing the sources
- Easy to maintain
- Saves you money on bottled water
Whole-House Water Filtration System
In addition to single-source (for your kitchen sink) water filters, Messmer also installs, maintains, and repairs whole-house systems. Our Kinetico 4040 and 4060 Series water softeners, for example, employ a carbon bed to filter out chlorine. The means you’ll enjoy clean water in every room, and for every purpose.
Kinetico whole-house systems also soften your water for softer skin, smoother hair, less money spent on soaps and cleaning products, no hard minerals to erode your water heater storage tank, along with other major benefits.
Contact Messmer today for more information about home water filtration and a free custom proposal.
Our Service Partners Get it All.
Enroll in our Service Partner Plan and enjoy added value plus proactive greater and protection for your home comfort equipment.
- Annual inspections
- Lower energy costs
- Priority service
- Fewer repairs
- 10% off heating & cooling repairs identified during annual preventive maintenance
- Annual Plan Renewal
- And more
Become a Plan Member and take advantage of the savings today!
Sign Up