Several chemicals are added to public tap water during the treatment process to make it safe for drinking:
Chlorine or Chloramine: Primary disinfectants that kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Chloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) is often used because it remains active longer in the water system.
Fluoride: Added to help prevent tooth decay. The optimal level is typically around 0.7 parts per million.
Coagulants: Usually aluminum sulfate or ferric sulfate, these help particles clump together so they can be filtered out more easily.
pH adjusters: Such as sodium hydroxide or lime, these help control corrosion in pipes and maintain optimal pH levels.
Corrosion inhibitors: Like orthophosphates, these create a protective coating inside pipes to prevent lead and copper from leaching into the water
The exact treatment process and chemicals used can vary by location, depending on the source water quality and local regulations. If you're curious about what's specifically added to your local water supply, you can request a water quality report from your utility company.
