How to Remove Chlorine from Tap Water?

What is chlorine? Chlorine is a type of chemical element that is considered poisonous and harmful in gaseous form. It causes irritation to the lung tissue, throat passages and other internal organs when the vapor is inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream. However, chlorine, in liquid form is used in water processes to remove pathogenic substances and bacteria. This is why chlorine is said to be an effective disinfectant to water with its oxidizing potential in eliminating harmful organisms.

However, combining chlorine with tap water can also cause untoward effects in the body. Once chlorine is absorbed by the body, detrimental effects can happen. This chemical can oxidize the cells in the body, causing the tissues to burn internally. Other harmful side effects of drinking chlorinated tap water are the presence of tingling or itching sensation all over the skin, burning and inflammation reactions in the throat and esophagus, severe lethargy, increase drowsiness and a lot more. Because of this, it is important that chlorine must be removed from the water before using it for drinking or cooking purposes. But the question is; how to remove chlorine from tap water?

Importance of Water

Water is an essential substance in life. Without water, man’s survival is not even near to possible. Water is used many different ways such as for washing, cooking, and drinking. Every person is required to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Nowadays, processed bottled waters are already available in the market for drinking purposes. However, buying these for everyday use can be very expensive; nevertheless, drinking directly from taps can also cause problems due to its chlorine content. Chlorine may not be seen in large amounts, but constant consumption of chlorinated tap waters can still cause serious complications in the body.

How to Remove Chlorine from Tap Water

Filtration Devices

Removing chlorine from tap water can be done in many different ways. One of the most common and economical methods is through the use of a filter. Filters are already available in the market to make tap water safer to use.

Some pitchers have filters to cleanse the water. Tap water is poured into the top portion of the pitcher, and it then passes through the filtration device. The filter removes the harmful chemicals included in the water thus providing clean and safe drinking water. More robust versions can be obtained as countertop filters or a powered water filters

Filters can also be attached to the water supply as faucet water filters and under-sink filters and even shower filters. These filters will screen the harmful components of the water before releasing it. Filters are not cheap devices; however, using them instead of constantly buying distilled bottled water can be a lot less expensive.

Boiling Method

Another effective way of removing the chlorine content from tap water is through the use of the boiling method. Boiling water before drinking or using in cooking procedures can be efficient in decreasing the water’s chlorine content. Boiling can kill harmful substances and organisms in the water making it pure and safe to drink. This is the reason boiling is also recommended for damaged pipes since the damage can cause the increase in contaminants in the water. So to remove these substances and contents, it is recommended to boil water at least 3 to 5 minutes before using it. It is important to cover the pot with the lid so as to prevent fast evaporation water while boiling.

Homemade Filters

Aside from buying filtration devices and boiling water, homemade filters can also be used to remove the chlorine content in tap water. Coffee filters along with paper towels and cheesecloth can be utilized to strain the different chemicals in the water, which includes chlorine. These filters are capable of screening large particles thus allowing only pure water to pass through. Coffee filters and cheesecloth are known to have small pores, which is effective in straining smaller particles.

These are just some of the practical techniques for removing chlorine from tap water. They are more affordable than purchasing bottled water for everyday use. These ways allow us to have pure and uncontaminated drinking water, which decreases the chances of us having health problems and complications.