We dont use chlorine because its the safest or even the most effective means of disinfection we use it because it is the cheapest. In spite of all our technological advances we essentially still pour bleach into our water prior to use. The long-term effects of using chlorinated water have just recently been documented.

It is not uncommon to find more chlorine in tap water than is recommended safe for a swimming pool. A simple chlorine test kit from the local discount department store around 6.00 will typically yield surprising results try it!

According to the U.S. Council of Environmental Quality "Cancer risk among people using chlorinated water is as much as 93% higher than among those whose water does not contain chlorine."

There is a lot of well-founded concern about chlorine. When chlorine is added to our water it combines with other natural compounds to form Trihalomethanes (chlorination byproducts) or THMs. These chlorine by-products trigger the production of free radicals in the body causing cell damage and are highly carcinogenic. Chlorine is also suspected to contribute to hardening of the arteries the primary cause of heart disease.