Quick Answer: City water systems add chlorine (0.2–4.0 mg/L) or chloramines. They do this to kill germs during treatment and keep a disinfectant working in the pipes. This is vital for public health. But, chlorine can make your water taste and smell funny. It also reacts with organic stuff to create disinfection byproducts.

Want better water? Advanced treatment, like reverse osmosis, fixes these issues. AMPAC USA builds commercial and industrial systems specifically for these water treatment needs. Our systems perform, and we have the certifications to prove it.

Sometimes, your drinking water just doesn’t seem right. Maybe it tastes off, smells weird, or looks cloudy. Usually, these things aren’t dangerous, but no one wants unpleasant water. US treatment plants use chlorine to protect your water from bacteria, parasites, viruses, and other nasty microbes before it even gets to your house.

As long as there’s a little bit of chlorine left in your water, you’re safe from harmful microorganisms. But too much can cause that “pool” smell. The AWWA says if the chlorine level is just right, you shouldn’t smell it at all.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says a certain amount of chlorine in your water isn’t harmful. This is called the residual level. It shouldn’t go over 1 mg/L, or you’ll definitely notice a smell. That’s why <water treatment plants have to keep the chlorine residual detectable, but not more than 4 mg/L.

1. If your drinking water smells strongly of chlorine, your house might be a long way from the public water source.
2. Want to lessen the smell? Try warming the water up. Cold water holds onto chlorine longer.
3. Chlorinated water will eventually lose its smell. But if you want to get rid of the odor right away, a filtration system is your best bet.

If you’re dealing with these kinds of water problems, reach out to an Ampac USA water expert. They can give you a free consultation.