- Protection Against Bacterial Growth in Plumbing: Chlorine acts as a disinfectant within the pipes, inhibiting the growth of bacteria, mold, and biofilm inside plumbing systems. When chlorine is entirely removed at the entrance, stagnant water in pipes—especially in areas that aren’t frequently used, such as guest bathrooms—can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to issues like Legionella, which thrives in warm, stagnant water and can cause serious respiratory infections.
- Safety in Household Appliances: Appliances like water heaters, humidifiers, and washing machines can also harbor bacteria if chlorine is absent. These appliances have warm, damp environments that can encourage bacterial growth, which can then be dispersed into the air, clothing, or on dishes. Maintaining a small amount of chlorine helps keep these appliances cleaner and safer.
- Simplicity and Effectiveness: By reducing but not fully removing chlorine at the point of entry, households can still filter out the chlorine for drinking or cooking through localized systems, such as a kitchen filter. This allows for safer, chlorine-free water for consumption while keeping other water sources within the home protected from bacterial growth.
- Cost-Effectiveness and Maintenance: A whole-house system that removes all chlorine requires more maintenance, as it must filter out bacteria continuously without the help of chlorine as a disinfectant. This increases maintenance costs and often requires more frequent filter changes or additional UV sterilization to ensure water remains safe throughout the plumbing system.
In conclusion, retaining a trace amount of chlorine in the home’s entry water supply provides essential protection against microbial contamination in household plumbing and appliances. For drinking and cooking, point-of-use filters can selectively remove chlorine, offering a balance of safety and water quality throughout the home.