Why is drinking water chlorinated?
Chlorination is necessary for two reasons. First, almost all sources of surface water contain microbiological organisms, which have to be removed in order to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever and cholera. Second, once the treated water leaves the treatment plant, it may travel through water mains and pipes sometimes at significant distances, before it reaches it’s destination. During this time, it is necessary to maintain a residual level of disinfectant in the water to ensure no possible regrowth of microorganisms. Without adequate disinfection, the health risks from microorganisms far outweigh the risks from THMs.
