1. Will chlorine corrode steel well casings and plumbing? What effect will it have on galvanized plumbing?
The best example of chlorinated water on plumbing of any kind is on municipal water supplies, of which the majority use chlorine either by itself of in combination with other disinfectants. If chlorine was causing premature failure in these systems, the maintenance costs would be impossible to keep up with. As is the case of any water treatment device, if installed incorrectly, problems may occur. If a dry pellet chlorinator is dropping too many pellets into the well because of faulty wiring, improper setting, etc., then a build-up of chlorine can happen and corrosion may occur. B&B recommends that installation be performed by experienced well drillers, pump installers, or water treatment professionals. The well owner should monitor chlorine level on a regular basis.
2. What about the chlorine taste?
A dry pellet chlorinator can be adjusted to whatever dosage the consumer desires. Because chlorine is used up as it reacts with well water contaminants, it is possible to have little or no chlorine taste. However, some chlorine residual may be beneficial. Any excess chlorine can be removed with carbon filters, which are available at your local water conditioning dealer or home improvement store.
3. Can a chlorinator put too much chlorine in a well?
Because the chlorinator is wired to the pump circuit or pressure switch, it is unlikely that over chlorination can happen. However, if the chlorinator were wired to the live side of a pressure switch, over chlorination could occur. If a well was going dry and the pump was running without actually pumping water, or if the water pipe supporting the pump were to develop a hole and the pump ran constantly, then over chlorination would occur.
4. Won’t the chlorine drift away in the aquifer?
Although there are some flowing wells, most aquifers are in rock, sand, or gravel. Their flow rates are measured in feet or even inches per year. When the pump turns on, water is drawn to the well through the aquifer. This flow is the dominant water movement, and over the course of the pump cycling, it would be difficult for chlorine to excape into the aquifer. Because the chlorine demand can be determined in a given water system, and both the chlorine dosage and residual can be measured, we can determine if any measureable amount of chlorine is lost.
5. Is chlorine a carcinogen?
Chlorine by itself (as far as we know) is not a carcinogen, but as it combines with organic matter that is present in some water supplies (primarily surface water), trihalomethanes (THMs) are created. Some research has shown that long-term consumption of THMs may increase cancer risks. In 1979, the U.S. EPA set regulatory limits for THMs.
Chlorine can be easily removed from the water system with inexpensive drinking water filters.
6. I am pretty handy around the house – can I install a dry pellet chlorinator myself?
You can, but we recommend that an experienced well driller, pump installer or water conditioning professional do it. Everyone’s well water is different. Many factors, such as pH, total dissolved solids, contaminant level, etc., will effect how well a dry pellet chlorinator works. Your local dealer will have the experience to determine if this is the right chlorination device for you.
7. What is the difference between B&B chlorine pellets and the chlorine I can get at the pool store?
B&B chlorine pellets are registered with the EPA for treating potable water supplies. Pool chlorine and household bleach are not. The small size is convenient for dropping into a well and sinking to the bottom where many well water problems start.
8. Can chlorine pellets sit on top of the submersible pump, causing problems?
On a 4 or 5 inch well shaft with a submersible pump, this is possible. Factors to consider are water movement, total dissolved solids, and pH of the water. Many 4 inch wells have considerable draw down and recovery, which allows for excellent dissolving of chlorine pellets. Water with low TDS or low pH will also allow for better dissolving.
Special installations are available for 4 or 5 inch wells that do not meet the above criteria.
9. My well has tested positive for coliform bacteria. Is a dry pellet chlorinator going to solve this problem?
It will, (when applied properly) but you should check with your local or state health department on what treatment methods are approved or allowed in your location.
10. Will B&B Chlorine pellets work in other dry pellet chlorinators?
B&B pellets will work in any machine that uses a 3/8” pellet. B&B also has available 5/16” diameter pellets.