Whether you are concerned about chlorine in your drinking water, fish tank, or swimming pool, you may be interested in learning how to dechlorinate water. Chlorine is a poisonous gas that is added as a disinfectant to tap water. This addition to the water supply controls the proliferation of bacteria and neutralizes other harmful substances. However, chlorine can be harmful and sometimes fatal to aquatic life as well as cause potential problems in humans.
Step One
Know the risks of drinking highly chlorinated water. There are currently ongoing laboratory tests on the long-term effects of chlorine exposure. However, some health officials are advocating the dechlorination of drinking water. An increased risk of bladder cancer may be seen in communities that drink chlorinated water. Chlorinated water may have an effect on lipid levels, such as increases in high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Chlorinated water may elevate the cholesterol and HDL ratio. Asthma may be triggered by chlorinated water.
Step Two
Know the chlorine level recommendations for drinking water. Federal recommendations and research indicate that people should drink water containing no more than 4 ppm (parts per million) (equivalent to 4mg/l) of chlorine.
Step Three
Obtain the annual water supply quality report from our city. A water report may also show the level of generated by-products compared to federal regulatory guidelines.
Step Four
Purchase chlorine test papers to determine the chlorine levels in your home water. Place the chlorine test strip into a glass of tap water. Swirl the paper in the water for 10 seconds. Remove the strip from the water, and compare the color of the water to the chlorine test kit indicator guide.
Step Five
Place the water to be dechlorinated outside in a sunny location. The chlorine will escape the water in the form of a gas. This method is helpful for dechlorinating swimming pools just before they are drained so that damage is not done to surrounding areas. Lawns, landscaping, and animals may be adversely affected by heavily chlorinated swimming pool water if it is not dechlorinated and drained correctly. Setting the water out also works well when preparing aquarium water.
Step Six
Dechlorinate water by boiling. Place the water in a large pot, and boil for 20 minutes.
Step Seven
Use vitamin C tablets to dechlorinate water. Depending on the brand, 1 tablet can treat up to 100 gallons (378.5 L) of water. Dechlorination tablets work well for bathwater and hot tubs.
Step Eight
Install a carbon filter dechlorination system to filter your home’s entire water system. These tank systems come in a variety of tank sizes, but they may be the most expensive dechlorination option. This method provides total dechlorination of the home water supply. The filters require some care, such as washing out the carbon filter every 6 months and replacing it as recommended by the manufacturer.
Step Nine
Install an under-the-sink carbon filter to remove chlorine. The filters in these units need to be replaced more often than a whole house filtration system, but they are an inexpensive option.