Questions And Answers About Chlorine In Your Water

What is chlorine?
It is a disinfectant that may exist in a variety of forms. Water districts choose the form that is most effective in their water distribution systems.

Why is it necessary for water to be chlorinated?
Chlorine acts as a sentinel to protect drinking water from the possibility of disease and other harmful elements.

Is drinking water from the tap as safe as bottled water or water from vending machines?
Tap water may, in fact, be safer than bottled water because it is constantly being tested for purity. Bottled water and vending machine waters are classified as beverages and do not have to meet the same stringent state and federal standards as public drinking water.

How often is chlorine put into the water?
Chlorine is combined with the water on a continuous basis as it is served to MSWD customers.

Is chlorine added to the water in one place or several places?
It is blended with the water from the source well and flows from there throughout the MSWD water distribution system.

Who at MSWD is responsible for overseeing that this is done properly?
Personnel who have received State of California training and certification perform the chlorination function. They are under the direction of MSWD Executive Staff.

Is there security at the stations where water is treated?
All of the District’s installations are fully protected by security. All are fenced with restricted entry and special locks. Only authorized personnel can service these installations and have access.

Is there any way to eliminate the taste and presence of chlorine from our drinking water?
Even though MSWD carefully controls the level of chlorine, a few very sensitive customers may be able to taste it. If you are sensitive to the chlorine smell and taste you may consider a commercially available filter, such as an activated carbon filter. Follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance directions to achieve consistent and reliable results. Letting your water stand in a clear container in sunlight will break down some of the chlorine and lessen its taste.

Does chlorine have an adverse effect on certain medications by reducing their value, i.e. chemotherapy for cancer or other medications for AIDS?
Please contact your health care provider regarding your specific needs.

What can I do if I notice an unusually heavy chlorine taste or cloudiness in my water?
Please phone Mission Springs Water District and report it. The District wants to know any time that your water is not pleasing to you. For water that appears cloudy, allow the water to stand for a few minutes, and you will see that it clears. The cloudiness is air bubbles in the water caused by the agitation of running or pouring the water.