Chlorine in our home
The debate over whether to allow chlorine in our water supply has persisted for years. Should we let chlorine into our homes? Is it safe to consume?
First, let’s understand what chlorine is and why treated water providers like Syabas and JBA chlorinate their supplied water. Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It belongs to the halogen group on the periodic table, alongside fluorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine.
Chlorine is primarily used (in the form of hypochlorous acid) to kill bacteria and other microbes, such as E. coli, in drinking water supplies and public swimming pools. This is how companies like Syabas and JBA can guarantee safety from bacterial infections and outbreaks.
So, should we allow chlorine to flow into our homes? My answer is yes; I highly recommend letting chlorine flow through our household pipes and water tanks. However, carbon filters are not recommended for outdoor water filtration systems, as chlorine must be removed before consumption.
To effectively remove chlorine, we use carbon filters. All drinking water systems on the market are equipped with at least one carbon filter. It’s crucial to replace these filters periodically; otherwise, the bacterial content of the water may actually increase due to bacterial growth within the filter unit.
Note: If any family members are facing conditions such as autism, eczema, or other related skin diseases, I strongly suggest using a showerhead with a built-in carbon filter.
Related source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chlorine