How does chlorine kill bacteria in drinking water?

Chlorine is currently employed by over 98 percent of all U.S. water utilities that disinfect drinking water. Researchers postulated that chlorine, which exists in water as hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid, reacts with biomolecules in the bacterial cell to destroy the organism.

Why do we add chlorine to water even though it is toxic?

To prevent contamination with germs, water companies add a disinfectant—usually either chlorine or chloramine—that kills disease-causing germs such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and norovirus.

Does chlorine kill harmful bacteria?

Free chlorine kills most bacteria, such as E. coli 0157:H7, in less than a minute if its concentration and pH are maintained as CDC recommends. However, a few germs are moderately (Giardia, Hepatitis A) to very (Cryptosporidium) chlorine tolerant.

What happens when chlorine is added to water?

Chlorine will react in water to form hypochlorous acid, which can then dissociate into hydrogen and hypochlorite ions, according to Eqn (1). This reaction is very important, as the disinfecting power of HOCl, hypochlorous acid, is about 40–80 times that of OCl−, hypochlorite.

Is chlorine used to treat drinking water?

Drinking water chlorination is the addition of chlorine to drinking water systems. It is the most common type of drinking water disinfection. Disinfection kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that cause disease and immediate illness.

Is it bad to drink chlorine water?

Is chlorinated water safe to drink? Yes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits the amount of chlorine in drinking water to levels that are safe for human consumption. The levels of chlorine used for drinking water disinfection are unlikely to cause long-term health effects.

What are the harmful effects of chlorine?

Following chlorine exposure, the most common symptoms are:

• Airway irritation.
• Wheezing.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Sore throat.
• Cough.
• Chest tightness.
• Eye irritation.
• Skin irritation.

Is chlorine safe in drinking water?

How does chlorine treat water?

To disinfect water, add one part of the chlorine solution to each 100 parts of water you are treating. This is about the same as adding 1 pint (16 ounces) of the chlorine solution to 12.5 gallons of water.

Is it safe to drink chlorinated water?

What are the advantages of chlorination?

The benefits of chlorination are: Proven reduction of most bacteria and viruses in water. Residual protection against recontamination. Ease-of-use and acceptability. Proven reduction of diarrheal disease incidence.