Why should domestic water systems be chlorinated?
A. Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) is an oxidising biocide, which will control microbiological contaminants in domestic water systems. Chlorination is the process of applying sodium hypochlorite to systems to control/kill microbes. Water in domestic systems is used for drinking, washing, cooking and other procedures where personnel come into close contact with the water. It is therefore important to control microbiological conditions in such systems and if problems occur chlorination may be necessary to restore suitable water quality. In addition to chlorine there are other approved products, such as chlorine dioxide, which may be used in domestic systems for the same purpose. The degree of treatment required depends on the nature of the fouling.
