KETOS SHIELD helps water operaters cover all of their water testing parameters by providing quality monitoring in real time. Test for free chlorine and other variables – while saving upfront investment costs with our industry-leading $0-CAPEX subscription model.

KETOS SHIELD, an award-winning device, provides accurate monitoring for free chlorine and 30+ other water testing parameters (inorganics, heavy metals, environmental factors, etc.). Understand your water via a solution that provides real-time on-site lab accurate readings.

Why Monitor Water for Free Chlorine with KETOS

Free chlorine often exists in drinking water. Its presence indicates that a sufficient amount of chlorine was added to the water to prevent bacteria and virus contamination and to protect it from recontamination during transport to households. As such, it is used as one indication of the general potability of drinking water.

Chlorine is also an oxidizing agent in other water treatment and chemical processes.

However, chlorine, as a disinfectant, is also a potential irritant, and if levels of chlorine are too high, it can become an irritant and may have knock-on health effects, which is why monitoring the levels of chlorine in water is integral – especially if the water is meant to be fit for human consumption.

What are the Issues with Chlorine in Water?

Chlorine is a widely used disinfectant in water treatment, playing a crucial role in ensuring that drinking water is safe for consumption by eliminating harmful pathogens. However, while chlorine effectively combats waterborne diseases, its presence in treated water can give rise to several concerns and issues. Here are key challenges associated with chlorine in water:

• Taste and Odor: Chlorine can impart an unpleasant taste and odor to drinking water, often described as “chlorine-like” or “pool-like.” These sensory characteristics can diminish the palatability of water and discourage consumption, affecting consumer satisfaction and compliance with hydration recommendations.
• Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs): When chlorine reacts with organic matter present in water, disinfection byproducts (DBPs) can form, including trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). Prolonged exposure to elevated levels of DBPs through drinking water consumption has been associated with adverse health effects, including increased risks of cancer and reproductive issues.
• Health Concerns: While chlorine effectively kills harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, its disinfection process can produce chemical byproducts that may pose health risks. Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, may experience exacerbations or increased symptoms when exposed to chlorine fumes or vapors during showering or bathing.
• Corrosion of Infrastructure: Chlorine can accelerate corrosion of metal pipes, fittings, and plumbing fixtures in water distribution systems. Corrosion-related issues can lead to leaks, pipe failures, and infrastructure damage, compromising the integrity of water distribution networks and necessitating costly repairs and replacements.
• Sensitive Populations: Certain populations, such as infants, young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, may be more vulnerable to the potential health effects of chlorine and its byproducts. Monitoring and managing chlorine levels in drinking water are crucial to protect the health and well-being of these sensitive groups.
• Residual Chlorine: While chlorine disinfection effectively eliminates pathogens, maintaining a residual chlorine level in treated water is essential to prevent microbial regrowth and ensure continued protection against waterborne diseases. However, excessive residual chlorine levels can contribute to taste and odor issues and may indicate over-chlorination or inefficient treatment processes.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Chlorine

Free chlorine is just one of the 30+ water testing parameters KETOS covers.