Chlorides in drinking water

Summary: Chlorine or chlorides have been widely used as disinfectants in water. But due to adverse health conditions caused due to the use of chlorides in drinking water, removal of chlorides is necessary.

Natural water contains chloride ions. Low to moderate chloride concentrations are acceptable and are necessary for the nutrition of water. However, excessive concentrations can make unpleasant to drink and cause some health problems. The concentration of chlorides in drinking water varies from 10 to 100mg/L as it is highly soluble in water. Sea water has chloride constituents as 30 000mg/l in form of sodium chloride. Previously chlorides were added as disinfectants in drinking water. Chloride is related with the rust formation of plumbing piping's as because the compounds formed with it can produce hydrochloric acid in high temperatures. It breaks the films or the iron pipes coated with zinc to prevent corrosion, remove the preventing coats and makes them susceptible to corrosion. It is one of the major reasons for behind rusting phenomenon of stainless steel.

According to the Environment Protection Agency the suggested maximum contaminant level for chlorides in drinking water is 250mg/l. Chlorides also increase the salty taste of drinking water. The reverse osmosis process can eliminate 90-95% of chlorides as because of their high salt elimination capabilities. However, they consume a lot of power. The latest water treatment machines are designed in such a way that they outperform conventional reverse osmosis systems and are cost effective. They are small and compact and thus are portable enough to be carried to different places. The operational and maintenance costs are also nominal. The initial expenses of installation are very low because of the easy plug and play installation technology. These machines are environment friendly and consume very less electricity. Thus, the use of these advanced water treatment solutions can be ideal for removal of chlorides in drinking water.