How to remove chlorine from tap water and why

2024-10-25 09:00:00

In the interview I published a few days ago with the title How to get the best water quality in our home (I leave it below and a few lines after a couple of cuts) let’s talk about it chlorine as a disinfectant element used regularly in water intended for human consumption in almost all places in Spain.

Interview with David PerezDirector of Natural thingscompany specialized in water treatment.

In the Community of Madrid, where I live, according to Water Quality Technical Report 2023is explained

«Regarding the products used in water treatment, 40 products of various kinds were notified. THE The most frequent were chlorine derivatives used in disinfection (mainly sodium hypochlorite), followed by inorganic filtration materials, sodium hydroxide, potassium permanganate for pre-oxidation processes, activated carbon as adsorbent and aluminum sulfates as coagulant/flocculant.

Chlorine in tap water

As this report from the Community of Madrid explains, the chloramination can lead to the formation of nitrites by transformation of free ammoniawhich is probably the cause of the highest number of non-compliances with this parameter detected last year in the region.

Non-compliance is the detection of something abnormal in water intended for human consumption and is reported to the system for analysis. In it tap water When analyzed, these non-compliances amount to over 4.5% of the cases analyzed.

Cut of the video that I linked to you before with the complete interview with the director of Natural things.

We have published articles on nitrites on a few occasions and here’s the thing Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) last April condemned Spain for failing to implement the necessary measures to prevent and reverse the situation water pollution by nitrates caused by agriculture and livestock farming.

However, it is also worth underlining that in Madrid the accidents with chlorine represent only 0.10% of the non-compliance with the parameters” so it can be concluded that the chloramination is very well controlled«.

Nitrites and cancer

In drinking water, that of the tap, we can find a bit of everything, as indicated by the aforementioned non-compliance. For example, coliform bacteriawhich indicate possible fecal contamination. Yes, they are “residual” cases, but that’s what we perhaps drink.

But let’s continue with the chlorine derivatives, nitrites. These, once in the digestive system, after drinking water, for example, or taken contaminated foodthey can react with the amines of protein foods of animal origin and form nitrosamine What are molecules really? dangerous for the body.

And be careful why Nitrosamines have demonstrated carcinogenic effects.

The water situation in Spain is alarming and nitrate contamination is already expected, according to the Spanish government itself: One of the main problems in Spain’s water bodies”.

In this section we talk about the environmental impact of bottled water.

How to clean water from chlorine

Avoiding chlorine in drinking water may be important to some people who are sensitive for their purposes or that they prefer to water without toxic chemical treatments. Here are some strategies:

1. water filters: Use high-quality water filters designed to remove chlorine. In Spain, water filter certifications must comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004, which regulates materials in contact with food, including drinking water. There is also the NSF/ANSI certified: Internationally recognized, guarantees that filters have been tested to meet contaminant reduction standards.
2. Activated carbon: Activated carbon filters are effective at reducing chlorine in water. They are found in the form of jugs, faucet systems or filters installed under the sink.
3. Disinfection in the sun: For small quantities of water the solar disinfection method can be used. This involves filling clear bottles (important, they’re glass) with water and leaving them in the sun for several hours, which can help reduce some contaminants.
4. Evaporation: Leaving water in an open container for 24 hours may cause the chlorine to evaporate, although this will not remove other contaminants.
5. Check the water system: If possible, contact your water supplier to learn about the water treatment process in your area and see if there are options for receiving chlorine-free water.
6. Alternative systems: For those of you who have the possibility, given the type of your home, to collect rainwater or dig a well, if practicable and safe. Be sure to test the water quality.

What I do, for now and I also try a system like the one discussed in the interview I quote here today, is method four, evaporationbut I don’t know how effective it is at removing all the chlorine.

It always is It is recommended to analyze the quality of tap water and, if you have any doubts, consult water treatment professionals. And that’s what we did when interviewing the CEO of Natural things. Now I’m waiting to receive a device of the method that has always caught my attention:

THE reverse osmosis. It is a process of separation and purification of liquids that works through a semi-permeable membrane which allows the passage of water but practically blocks the passage ALL contaminants.

When I receive the device, install it and test it, I will tell you.