Chlorine

GENERAL INFORMATION
The gaseous or liquid form of chlorine (CL2) is a water additive used by municipal water systems to control microbes. It is relatively inexpensive and has the lowest production and operating costs and longest history for large continuous disinfection operations. Chlorine is a powerful oxidant.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some people who use water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience irritating effects to their eyes and nose. Some people who drink water containing chlorine well in excess of the MRDL could experience stomach discomfort.

Standard value 1: 
4.00
Standard units 1: 
ppm
Input units: 
mg/L
ppm
Contaminant group: 
Action is optional 1: 

MRDL ADVISORY - ACTION IS OPTIONAL
Chlorine levels were detected in your water sample but do not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL).  MRDL's are non-enforceable goals based on the possible risk and exposure over a lifetime with an adequate margin of safety.

Major sources in drinking water: 
Water additive used to control microbes
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Chlorine is added as a disinfectant for wells and water lines. When used to clean a well, the chlorine is removed by having the chlorinated water pumped (or flushed) out of the well and water lines. When chlorine exceeds 4 mg/l on private water systems that use chlorine for the continuous disinfection system, adjust the injection chlorine dose on the injection pump, or add a point-of-use granulated carbon filter or carbon block prior to the faucet will remove chlorine from the water. Chlorine also evaporates quickly, so by leaving chlorinated water in an open container will allow chlorine to evaporate after a while.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS