The facts about chlorine & THMs in your water

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08 Jul The facts about chlorine & THMs in your water

Posted at 19:09h in Common Impurities, Your Water by
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Most municipally treated water supplies in Canada use chlorine for water disinfection. Chlorine is a popular additive for several reasons. Firstly, it is effective at killing and reducing the growth of many microbes including bacteria, viruses and cysts . It also stays in your water from the water treatment facility to your home, preventing contamination during distribution.

The use of chlorine has helped to dramatically reduce mortality and illness rates linked to dangerous waterborne pathogens and diseases, including cholera and typhoid fever.

Many people, however, are sensitive to chlorine and can experience allergies, stomach discomfort, brittle hair and skin irritation. Chlorine can also cause food and beverages to develop an unpleasant taste or smell. Coffees and teas taste much better without chlorine !

The real potential danger: THMs

When chlorine comes in contact with organic matter, such as decaying leaves and vegetation found in many lakes and wells, it can form potentially carcinogenic byproducts called Trihalomethanes (THM ). Chloroform, a known carcinogen, is a potential THM chlorine byproduct. Exposure to THM has been linked to an increased risk of:

  • Cancer (bladder, rectal, and kidney)
  • Birth defects and miscarriages
  • Asthma and respiratory tract damage
  • Liver malfunction
  • Weakened immune system
  • Damage to the arteries

Municipalities try to control the THM levels to below Health Canada guidelines of less than 0.1 mg/L. But, thankfully, they can be almost completely removed from your home’s water with a simple treatment process.

How to remove chlorine and THM :

To remove these chemicals, without eliminating your water’s natural healthful minerals, simply install an under-the-sink water filtration system that is certified to reduce THM and chlorine . Or, if you already have a filtration system, exchange the filter for a certified cartridge.

Not sure where you start?

Here are made-in-Canada and NSF/ANSI certified systems that thousands of Canadians use in their homes to remove chlorine and THM . These systems are readily available at most retailers in Canada, including Home Hardware and Canadian Tire:

  1. Chlorine removal drinking water system
  2. Activated carbon cartridges models for standard 10″ filter housings: LR1 and VC1
  3. Whole home filter for reducing chlorine

Comment below with any questions you may have! At Rainfresh we’re happy to help and offer our expertise in achieving fresh, safe and delicious drinking water.

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What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

A cyst is a resting stage of a parasite that helps it tide over unfavourable environmental conditions. When the parasite reaches favourable conditions (such as the human intestine), the cyst wall breaks and the microbe causes illness. Commonly known cysts are Giardia Lamblia and Cryptosporidium. They are present in stagnant waters such as dug wells, lakes, ponds and other surface waters. Cysts cause illnesses such as Giardiasis (commonly called Beaver Fever), stomach cramps, fever, diarrhea, etc.

Cysts are resistant to chlorination, the most common disinfection method used by municipalities. As such, it is possible to have cyst contamination even in chlorinated (municipally treated) water supplies. Physical removal of cysts from water by filtration is the most effective way of preventing illnesses from cyst. Rainfresh Drinking Water system 1, 2 and 3 are tested and certified for reduction of cyst from water.

 

 

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

Trihalomethanes (THM ) – CHEMICALS

THM are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of disinfectants such as chlorine , with natural organic compounds (decaying leaves & vegetation). Many THM were also used over the years as solvents and refrigerants and now sometimes find their way into our drinking water supplies. THMs most commonly found in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform, although over 50 are known to be present in various drinking water supplies.

THM are considered possible carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans. According to Health Canada, animal studies indicate a link between specific THM and tumours. Some human studies also link THM with colorectal cancers & reproductive problems.

Rainfresh Drinking Water System models UCS3, QS1, QS2 and filter cartridge models LR1 & VC1 are tested and certified for reduction of THM from water.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

Trihalomethanes (THM ) – CHEMICALS

THM are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of disinfectants such as chlorine , with natural organic compounds (decaying leaves & vegetation). Many THM were also used over the years as solvents and refrigerants and now sometimes find their way into our drinking water supplies. THMs most commonly found in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform, although over 50 are known to be present in various drinking water supplies.

THM are considered possible carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans. According to Health Canada, animal studies indicate a link between specific THM and tumours. Some human studies also link THM with colorectal cancers & reproductive problems.

Rainfresh Drinking Water System models UCS3, QS1, QS2 and filter cartridge models LR1 & VC1 are tested and certified for reduction of THM from water.

Trihalomethanes (THM ) – CHEMICALS

THM are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of disinfectants such as chlorine , with natural organic compounds (decaying leaves & vegetation). Many THM were also used over the years as solvents and refrigerants and now sometimes find their way into our drinking water supplies. THMs most commonly found in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform, although over 50 are known to be present in various drinking water supplies.

THM are considered possible carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans. According to Health Canada, animal studies indicate a link between specific THM and tumours. Some human studies also link THM with colorectal cancers & reproductive problems.

Rainfresh Drinking Water System models UCS3, QS1, QS2 and filter cartridge models LR1 & VC1 are tested and certified for reduction of THM from water.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

Trihalomethanes (THM ) – CHEMICALS

THM are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of disinfectants such as chlorine , with natural organic compounds (decaying leaves & vegetation). Many THM were also used over the years as solvents and refrigerants and now sometimes find their way into our drinking water supplies. THMs most commonly found in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform, although over 50 are known to be present in various drinking water supplies.

THM are considered possible carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans. According to Health Canada, animal studies indicate a link between specific THM and tumours. Some human studies also link THM with colorectal cancers & reproductive problems.

Rainfresh Drinking Water System models UCS3, QS1, QS2 and filter cartridge models LR1 & VC1 are tested and certified for reduction of THM from water.

Trihalomethanes (THM ) – CHEMICALS

THM are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of disinfectants such as chlorine , with natural organic compounds (decaying leaves & vegetation). Many THM were also used over the years as solvents and refrigerants and now sometimes find their way into our drinking water supplies. THMs most commonly found in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform, although over 50 are known to be present in various drinking water supplies.

THM are considered possible carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans. According to Health Canada, animal studies indicate a link between specific THM and tumours. Some human studies also link THM with colorectal cancers & reproductive problems.

Rainfresh Drinking Water System models UCS3, QS1, QS2 and filter cartridge models LR1 & VC1 are tested and certified for reduction of THM from water.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

Trihalomethanes (THM ) – CHEMICALS

THM are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of disinfectants such as chlorine , with natural organic compounds (decaying leaves & vegetation). Many THM were also used over the years as solvents and refrigerants and now sometimes find their way into our drinking water supplies. THMs most commonly found in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform, although over 50 are known to be present in various drinking water supplies.

THM are considered possible carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans. According to Health Canada, animal studies indicate a link between specific THM and tumours. Some human studies also link THM with colorectal cancers & reproductive problems.

Rainfresh Drinking Water System models UCS3, QS1, QS2 and filter cartridge models LR1 & VC1 are tested and certified for reduction of THM from water.

Trihalomethanes (THM ) – CHEMICALS

THM are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of disinfectants such as chlorine , with natural organic compounds (decaying leaves & vegetation). Many THM were also used over the years as solvents and refrigerants and now sometimes find their way into our drinking water supplies. THMs most commonly found in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform, although over 50 are known to be present in various drinking water supplies.

THM are considered possible carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans. According to Health Canada, animal studies indicate a link between specific THM and tumours. Some human studies also link THM with colorectal cancers & reproductive problems.

Rainfresh Drinking Water System models UCS3, QS1, QS2 and filter cartridge models LR1 & VC1 are tested and certified for reduction of THM from water.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

What is Chlorine ?

Chlorine is the most common chemical used by municipalities around the world to make water safe to drink. Almost all municipal treatment plants in North America use chlorine for primary or secondary disinfection. Chlorine can form cancerous by-products with certain organic compounds present in water. In addition chlorine renders an offensive taste and odour to water and to beverages made from such water. Coffee and tea tastes much better when chlorine is removed from water. Many people have reported to be allergic to chlorine in the water.

Chlorine from drinking water can be effectively reduced by activated carbon filter cartridges. All Rainfresh Drinking Water Systems reduce chlorine effectively. For whole house reduction of chlorine , Rainfresh CCF systems are recommended.

Trihalomethanes (THM ) – CHEMICALS

THM are chemical compounds formed by the reaction of disinfectants such as chlorine , with natural organic compounds (decaying leaves & vegetation). Many THM were also used over the years as solvents and refrigerants and now sometimes find their way into our drinking water supplies. THMs most commonly found in drinking water are chloroform, bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM) and bromoform, although over 50 are known to be present in various drinking water supplies.

THM are considered possible carcinogens (cancer-causing) in humans. According to Health Canada, animal studies indicate a link between specific THM and tumours. Some human studies also link THM with colorectal cancers & reproductive problems.

Rainfresh Drinking Water System models UCS3, QS1, QS2 and filter cartridge models LR1 & VC1 are tested and certified for reduction of THM from water.