Many Community Water Systems (CWS) use disinfectants in drinking water to protect against microbes such as giardia and cryptosporidium, which can cause gastrointestinal diseases. Chlorine and ammonia, which form chloramines, are added to the Mississippi River, a relatively dirty source of water, to disinfect it. This gives Minneapolis drinking water an occasional “pool” flavor. Guideline values are used to make decisions about managing the health risks of pollutants found in groundwater used as a source of drinking water.
Both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider the disinfection of drinking water to be one of the most important advances in public health. To reduce exposure to Disinfection By-Products (DBPs) in drinking water, a whole-house carbon filter and a domestic water treatment system can be employed. All Community Water Systems that disinfect perform tests for the presence of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) and ensure that the levels meet the Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water standard, or Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). The City of Minneapolis regularly performs water tests and publishes the results in its annual drinking water reports. People who drink water that contains TTHM above the MCL for many years may experience liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems and an increased risk of cancer. To ensure safety, it is important to understand the average chlorine content of bottled water in Central Minnesota.
Chlorine Content in Bottled Water
The amount of chlorine present in bottled water varies depending on its source.Bottled water from natural springs may contain no chlorine at all, while bottled water from municipal sources may contain up to 0.2 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine. The average chlorine content of bottled water in Central Minnesota is 0.1 ppm.
Benefits of Chlorine
Chlorine is an effective disinfectant that eliminates bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause disease. It also helps to reduce the risk of contamination from other sources such as sewage or agricultural runoff. Chlorine also helps to reduce bad odors and tastes in drinking water.Risks of Chlorine
Chlorine can react with organic matter in the water to form Disinfection By-Products (DBPs).These DBPs can be harmful if consumed in large quantities over long periods of time. It is important to monitor chlorine levels in drinking water to ensure that they are within safe limits.
