Chlorine is a common chemical treatment that kills bacteria and other harmful contaminants. But chlorinated water can cause damage throughout your house and make your drinking water unappetizing. Continue reading to learn more about three side effects of chlorinated water in your home.

1. Skin and Hair Damage

Bathing or showering in chlorinated water can damage your skin and hair. Chlorine can dry out your skin, which is especially troubling for people who are more prone to dry skin or have dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Dry skin feels tight and uncomfortable, and it can crack and itch. Dry skin can also affect a person’s self-confidence.

Chlorine also strips oils from natural hair, making the hair dry and brittle. Weakening the hair can lead to breakage and split ends. To get the best results from your skin and hair products, avoid chlorinated water.

2. Faded and Weakened Fabrics

Another side effect of chlorinated water in your home is faded laundry and weakened fabrics. The active ingredient in chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite, a chemical compound that contains chlorine. Chlorinated water fades dyed fabrics over time.

Chlorine can also thin fabrics, which makes it more likely you’ll see holes in your clothing. It also breaks down elastic. When elastic doesn’t work as it should, your clothing becomes deformed and doesn’t fit right. If your clothes do not last as long as you would like, the harsh chlorine in your home’s water could be the culprit.

3. Terrible Taste

Finally, chlorinated water can have a terrible flavor. If your water tastes bitter or acidic, you might be tasting chlorine. The chemical also has a strong smell that many people can sense even in small concentrations, and this smell affects the flavor of the water.

Municipalities use chlorine in their water treatment processes to disinfect the water. But your water should be refreshing as well as safe to drink and cook with.

Good Water Company provides customized home drinking-water solutions. We can assess your water and install a treatment, such as a chlorine filter, to improve its appearance, smell, and taste. Call us today to schedule a water test or receive more information.