Municipalities use Chlorine and Chloramines as disinfectants to keep water safe from bacteria as it travels through pipes to your home. Both Chlorine and Chloramines play an important role in protecting your water from contamination, but once this water arrives at your home it may cause some issues.
The Difference Between Chlorine and Chloramines
Chlorine is a chemical that is commonly used as a disinfectant in pools, drinking water and household cleaners due to its ability to kill harmful bacteria. Municipalities inject Chlorine into their drinking water supply at various stages of the water treatment process to eliminate the threats caused by parasites, harmful bacteria, cysts and viruses. In Canada, Chlorine has been used for over a century to ensure the safety of the water delivered by municipalities and the levels of its use are strictly regulated.
Many Municipalities have found that combining Chlorine with Ammonia at the treatment plant creates Chloramine which acts the same as Chlorine but will remain in the water stream longer. Using Chloramines leads to a higher level of protection and longer lasting residual levels than using standard Chlorine.
While the regulated levels of Chlorine and Chloramines may not in themselves be harmful, once these chemicals are introduced to the water stream they can react with the organic material naturally found in water, such as decaying leaves or other vegetation found in the environment. This can produce a chemical reaction which creates a group of disinfection by-products. These by-products are known as Trihalomethanes (THMs), which can include Chloroform, Bromoform and several other chemicals. These levels are monitored by the municipalities to ensure they stay below the Health Canada guidelines of 100 micrograms/litre.
What Can Be Done to Reduce the Risk of Exposure to Chlorine, Chloramines and Disinfection By-Products?
Water Depot carries a line of water treatment products that reduce Chlorine, Chloramines and their disinfection by-products, including THMs. Our Chloramax Whole Home Systems reduce these chemicals, without using salt, while maintaining the natural minerals found in water. If you are dealing with chlorinated water that also has a high level of hardness minerals, Water Depot’s Chloramax Twin System combines the superior softening of our Platinum Water Softener with the chemical reduction power of the Chloramax.
Our Chloramax Whole Home Systems are designed specifically for Municipal applications to reduce Chlorine, Chloramines and disinfection by-products including THMs, pesticides, herbicides, as well as reducing taste and odour.
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