Why Does the Town of Stewiacke Use Chlorine? Aren't There "Safer" Disinfectants Such As UV?
To protect against microbial contamination, a disinfectant must be used that maintains a residual (does not disappear). Chlorine is the only well-understood disinfectant that maintains a residual. Other disinfectants such as ozone and ultraviolet do not maintain a residual. However, their use is becoming more widespread as research is done by the drinking water industry
How Much Chlorine Is In My Water?
We are required by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour to maintain a chlorine residual of at least 0.2 mg/L (milligrams per litre or parts per million). We add enough chlorine at the treatment plant to make sure we meet the minimum at the most remote areas of the distribution system. This ranges from 0.5 mg/L in winter to 1.1 mg/L in summer. Therefore, the amount of chlorine in your water is between 0.2 and 1.1 mg/L.
What If I Don't Like The Taste of Chlorine?
Placing a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for a few hours will allow any chlorine taste to disappear.
Will Using A Home Water Filter Make The Water Safer Or Healthier To Drink?
The devices are not needed to make the water safe if the water meets federal standards. Filters may improve the taste, smell or appearance of water, but they don't necessarily make the water safer or healthier. Please keep in mind that filters require regular maintenance; if ignored, water quality problems may occur.
Is It O.K. To Drink Water From A Garden Hose?
The water is safe before it enters the hose, but a garden hose is treated with special chemicals which make it flexible. Those chemicals are not good for you and neither are the germs that may be growing inside the hose.
Is It True That Tap Water Quality Is Getting Worse?
It might seem that way from what you read and hear, but actually, the opposite is true. Water suppliers must meet many more regulations today than they did a few years ago, and standards for many of the regulated chemicals and microbes are more strict. Tap water quality is improving, although it is being talked about more because the general public is more aware of water quality issues and is demanding more information.
