This past summer Greenlawn Water District introduced chlorine into the water supply after they tested and detected E. coli bacteria in one of their wells. Thankfully, E. coli was never found in the water supply or in any of their distribution system, and kudos to Greenlawn Water District for always monitoring their wells and avoiding a potential health problem.
Since that time, I have been able to smell chlorine in my own water at home. I know that chlorine is a toxic substance and a known carcinogen, even in small quantities, and I would prefer not to drink or wash with it.
I am pleased that I have several filters on my plumbing system that remove chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, etc and took the precaution to do so. You never know when your water will become contaminated and by the time you do it may have already entered your home.
I have a sediment filter on the main water line that enters my home which filters and traps sediment, rust, and debris that would otherwise enter my home and find its way into my drinking water and food. It might also clog my faucets or build up as sludge in my hot water heater and furnace shortening its life.
The next filter is an activated carbon filter I use for drinking and cooking and is mounted under my kitchen sink and removes chlorine, chloramines, pesticides, and herbicides and is rated by the National Sanitation Foundation to be safe and effective. I change the filter every 6-9 months. The filters are not expensive compared to purchasing bottled water and are simple to change. The filtered water has its own separate faucet.
In addition I also have an activated carbon filter on my shower head removing chlorine when showering. Hot water mixed with chlorine gas is terrible on the skin, eyes, and in your lungs. It makes your skin dry and flaky and your hair flat and lifeless. If you smell chlorine gas when you first turn on the shower than I highly recommend that you install a filter. You will feel the difference immediately.
To filter or not to filter is no longer the question. What kind of filter should you install and how sophisticated a filter is important to consider. There are many different kinds of filters and water treatment systems available with a wide range of pricing e.g. activated charcoal filters sediment, reverse osmosis, membrane, ultra violet, and alkalizing. Call your water company and ask if they chlorinate the water also ask them what other items they may be injecting into your water supply. Their answers may surprise you.
For more information about filters and products that Rain Rich can provide call us for a free consultation at 631-423-2211 or click here.
