Chlorine in the Water of the Outer Hebrides / Western Isles

How effective is chlorine?
Chlorine added at the typical rate of approximately 2mg per litre is very effective and kills virtually all bacteria in the water. In some treatment plants chlorine is added at 10mg to 20mg per litre to sufficiently ensure the water is safe, and then removed with the addition of sulphur dioxide. Chlorine, however, does not kill Cryptosporidium which is a protozoa (single cell parasite), common in farm animals. Fortunately this is a relatively rare contaminent, and in the case of a suspected problem, the water company will advise all customers to boil water prior to use.

Why is chlorine left in tap water after treatment?

Chlorine is left in tap water because it can take many miles, and indeed many hours, for water to travel from the processing or treatment plant, to your home. Due to the risks of contamination at this stage, chlorine is left in the water. The single biggest threat after water treatment is infection through burst mains, which as most people are aware, is an everyday occurence.

Does chlorine affect the taste of water?
This depends on many different factors, and on personal taste. In some areas the taste is more noticeable than others, and it can even be affected by the weather, temperature or the time of day. The drinking water inspectorate states that the taste of chlorine is a common cause of concern, which they advise can be overcome by refridgerating water prior to use.

Is chlorine safe to drink?
There is an increasing amount of evidence that suggests disinfection-by-products, or compounds of chlorine and naturally occuring organic material, may be one of the contributing factor to the increase in cancer rates. Trihalomethanes (THMs) are by far the most debated by-product, and are monitored by the water companies. However, research into the levels, exposure and effects is not yet known. Since most people find the taste of chlorine unpleasant, many prefer to filter their water of this chemical prior to use.

Is filtered tap water safe to drink?
Once the water has reached your tap, the requirement of a 'sterilizing agent' to kill bacteria is no longer necessary. Effectively the chlorine has served it's purpose, and it's removal will ensure your tap water tastes both pleasant and refreshing. The only thing to remember with filtered water, supplied via a jug or a plumbed in system, is that it should be kept refridgerated (if not being used immediately), and consumed within 24 hours. This is to reduce the risk of new contamination entering the water whilst it is left on the kitchen worktops.

Are there any other important issues?
As well as tasting unpleasant, chlorinated water is not suitable for the vast majority of colwater or tropical aquariums, and with some fish, may even cause rapid death. Whilst some charcoal based tank-filters will remove chlorine, it is safer to add chlorine free water from the start.

How do I remove the chlorine from tap water?
Chlorine can be removed in a number of ways, depending on personal preference. Our most popular solutions are plumbed in filter systems. These systems supply a third tap, purely for drinking water, beside your sink. They connect to your existing cold water, using a self-tapping valve, which means they should be easily fitted by most people, and are convienient as the cartridges last six months and water is supplied at a good flow rate on demand.