History of Chlorine and Why It's Added To Drinking Water

Chlorine has been used to protect drinking water since the 1800s, when Dr. John Snow linked water contamination to disease. Learn about chlorine’s role in water safety, potential health concerns, and how Santevia filters remove chlorine while restoring essential minerals for healthier, better-tasting water.

History of Chlorine in Drinking Water: Why It’s Used

Chlorine’s role in drinking water goes back to a critical discovery in 1854, when Dr. John Snow linked a deadly cholera outbreak in London to contaminated water. This finding revolutionized our understanding of waterborne diseases, leading to modern practices in water treatment. 

Today, chlorine is still widely used to kill bacteria and pathogens, ensuring safe drinking water as it travels to your tap. While chlorine plays an essential role in water disinfection, drinking it regularly isn’t ideal for your health. 

Why Chlorine Became Essential in Water Treatment

Dr. Snow’s discovery underscored the importance of clean water to public health. As industrialization progressed, cities sought effective ways to purify water and prevent outbreaks of diseases like cholera and typhoid. Chlorine, with its powerful disinfecting properties, became the solution of choice. By killing harmful bacteria during water’s journey through pipelines, chlorine ensures that the water arriving at your tap is free from pathogens.

Think of chlorine as the protective layer, or packaging, for your water. However, just like you wouldn’t eat food packaging, it’s best not to consume chlorine.

Health Risks of Chlorine in Drinking Water

While chlorine is crucial for water safety, drinking it over time may have some drawbacks. Here are some potential health risks of consuming chlorinated water:

• Increased Heart Disease Risk: Some studies suggest a link between high levels of chlorinated byproducts in drinking water and a greater risk of cardiovascular diseases over time.
• Carcinogenic Byproducts: Chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, forming byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs), which have been linked to cancer risks.
• Disruption of Microbiome: Consuming chlorinated water may disrupt the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome, potentially affecting digestion and overall gut health.

To limit these risks, many people choose to filter chlorine out of their drinking water once it’s done its job of protecting against contamination.

Removing Chlorine from Drinking Water

Activated carbon filters are highly effective at removing chlorine from water. Activated carbon works by absorbing chlorine, leaving the water clean, odor-free, and better tasting. However, standard filters that only remove chlorine can also strip out essential minerals that your body needs.

This is where Santevia filters stand out. Not only do they use activated carbon to remove chlorine and other contaminants, but they also add back essential minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. These minerals support your health by promoting hydration, balancing electrolytes, and improving the taste of your water.

Why Choose Santevia: Mineral-Rich, Chlorine-Free Water

When looking for a water filtration system, select one that doesn’t just remove harmful chemicals but also supports your health by adding back beneficial minerals. Santevia filtration systems effectively remove chlorine and enhance the water’s mineral content, providing a cleaner, healthier, and more refreshing drink.