Yuck!! Why Does My Water Smell Like a Pool?
If you’ve ever taken a sip of water and thought, “Why does my water smell like a pool?” you’re not alone. Many people notice a distinct chlorine smell in their tap water, which can be unpleasant to drink. In this article, we’ll explore the history of chlorine in our water, why it was added, when we started adding it, and why you may not want to drink it.
The History of Chlorine in Our Water
Chlorine has been used to disinfect drinking water for over a century. The first large-scale use of chlorine in water treatment occurred in 1908 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Prior to this, water-borne diseases like typhoid fever and cholera were rampant, and there was no effective way to treat them. The addition of chlorine to the water supply helped to eliminate these diseases and made drinking water much safer.
Why Chlorine Was Added to Our Water
Chlorine is added to our water supply as a disinfectant. It kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can make us sick. Chlorine is also added to water to control the growth of algae, which can make water taste and smell bad.
When We Started Adding Chlorine to Our Water
The first large-scale use of chlorine in water treatment occurred in 1908 in Jersey City, New Jersey. From there, the use of chlorine in water treatment quickly spread across the United States. By the 1920s, nearly every large city in the country was using chlorine to treat its water.
Why You Don’t Want to Drink Chlorine
While chlorine is effective at killing bacteria and other microorganisms in our drinking water, it can also have some negative effects on our health. Chlorine can react with organic matter in the water to form harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These byproducts have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems.
Chlorine can also have an unpleasant taste and odor, which can make it difficult to drink. Additionally, some people may be more sensitive to chlorine than others, and may experience symptoms like skin irritation, eye irritation, or respiratory problems when exposed to it.
What You Can Do About Chlorine in Your Water
If you’re concerned about the presence of chlorine in your water, Culligan of Northeast Kansas can provide solutions with their whole home water treatment system or an under the sink reverse osmosis drinking water treatment system. These systems effectively remove chlorine and other contaminants from your water, providing you with safe and clean drinking water without the need to switch to a different water source or rely on a water filter.
Chlorine has been an important tool in the fight against water-borne diseases for over a century. While it has helped to make our drinking water safer, it can also have negative effects on our health and make water taste and smell unpleasant. If you’re concerned about the presence of chlorine in your drinking water, there are several options available to you. Don’t settle for less than the best when it comes to your family’s drinking water. Contact Culligan of Northeast Kansas today to learn more about their water treatment solutions and start enjoying pure, refreshing water in your home.
