Why is our water treated with chlorine?

• February 16, 2024 |

Drinking water must be disinfected to treat disease-causing microbial pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, protozoa, parasites). Chlorine, in the form of sodium hypochlorite, is used as a disinfectant in our treatment process; we are required by drinking water standards to maintain a residual amount in the water to provide continuous protection from microbial contamination as it travels through our distribution system and to your tap. Sampling throughout the system confirms that the amount of chlorine present is neither too low nor too high per the limits set by the EPA. Our water is effectively disinfected with much less chlorine than the allowable limit.