Overchlorination of tap water

Overchlorination of tap water can pose significant health risks to individuals who consume it. Chlorine is added to tap water as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and parasites that can be present in the water supply. While this is important to ensure safe drinking water, overchlorination can cause several adverse health effects.

One of the main health risks of overchlorination is the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs). When chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in water, it creates DBPs, which are potentially toxic and can cause cancer and other serious health problems. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to DBPs can increase the risk of developing cancer, reproductive problems, and other serious health conditions.

In addition to the formation of DBPs, overchlorination of tap water can also irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Individuals who have sensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions such as eczema may experience an exacerbation of their symptoms when exposed to high levels of chlorine in tap water. Overchlorination can also cause eye irritation, itching, and redness, and can lead to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Over chlorination also has a negative impact on the environment. When water is overchlorinated, the excess chlorine can end up in rivers, natural streams, and other bodies of water, where it can harm aquatic life and wildlife. Chlorine can also react with other potentially dangerous chemicals in the environment to form hazardous byproducts, which can persist for many years.

To reduce the health risks associated with overchlorination of tap water, it is important to monitor the levels of chlorine in tap water and to use alternative methods of water treatment if necessary. Some methods of alternative water treatment include reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and activated carbon filtration, which can effectively remove excess chlorine from tap water.

Improve your tap water quality

SpaceSystems Water Filtration Systems use reverse osmosis technology along with activated carbon filter to remove from water not only excess chlorine but led, bacteria, pesticides and other contaminants. Contact us! We can help to reduce these risks and ensure a safe and healthy water supply for you and your family.