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Chlorine

What to do if your water tastes or smells like swimming pool water. Simply use the arrows below to expand the section containing the information you need.

  • Chlorine is legally required to be added to your water to ensure the water we provide you is wholesome. It is added during the final stage of the water treatment process and is closely monitored.  

    Chlorine levels are kept well within recommended limits and are not harmful. 

    Some customers may notice this more than others if they are sensitive to the taste or smell. 

  • The taste and smell of chlorine can be stronger:  

    • If you live nearby to one of our treatment works facilities (The closer you are, the more noticeable it may be). 
    • When flow through the main increases, for example in the mornings and evenings when many people use their taps at once, during a burst, or when the fire service draws large volumes of water, the chlorine can reach you more quickly and has less time to dissipate. 
    • A nearby water main has been replaced and the new main doesn’t ‘absorb’ chlorine in the way the old main did. 

    • Store water in the fridge: Fill a jug or glass container with tap water, cover it, and leave it in the fridge until needed. If you don’t use it within 24 hours, you should discard it. 
    • Boil the water: If you're sensitive to chlorine and still notice a smell after chilling the water, boiling it can help remove most of the chlorine. Once cooled, store the water in a covered container in the fridge. It’s important that you discard the water if you don’t use it within 24 hours. 
    • Water filters: A water filtration device containing carbon will absorb chlorine and other naturally occurring substances. These are not necessary, but some customers like to use them.  Make sure to follow manufacturers maintenance instructions. 

    Any filtration device plumbed into your water supply must comply with the ‘Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999’. For more advice, visit the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme website. 

Watch our video

Hear from our water quality experts on what to do if you're experiencing chlorine in your water.

Chemicals

Sometimes your water may have a ‘chemical’ or ‘medicinal' taste to it – click below to find out why.

Bitter or metallic

There are a few reasons why your water may have a ‘metallic’ or ‘bitter’ taste to it – find out what to check if this is the case.

Earthy or musty

If your water appears to have an earthy or musty taste, click here to find out more.

Fuel or oil

If you suspect that the taste or smell you are experiencing is more like ‘fuel’ or ‘oil’, please follow our advice here.

Eggy or sewage

If your water appears to smell eggy or of sewage, click here to find out what might be happening.

My water has changed

If your water has 'changed', find out why this has happened and what you can do to resolve it.

My water looks different

If your water appears discoloured, cloudy or has bits in it, click here to see what could be causing this.