What is the effect of increased chlorine levels in water?

Increased chlorination in water treatment primarily serves to improve the microbial safety of the water supply. While increased chlorine levels can indeed affect taste and odor—often leading to a more noticeable chlorine flavor or smell in the water—this is not the only important factor. Chlorine is added to disinfect the water by eliminating harmful pathogens. However, too much chlorine can mask other taste and odor changes that may be due to other organic compounds or contamination.

In this context, it’s critical to understand the overall implications of chlorine on the water being treated. Although chlorination is essential for keeping the water safe to drink, higher concentrations can lead to various issues, including taste and odor problems, which may detract from the overall quality perception of the water, even if it remains safe for consumption.

Moreover, the outcome of increased chlorine levels could lead to reactions with organic materials, creating disinfection byproducts which can also affect taste and odor negatively. Thus, while taste and odor are key aspects directly connected to the chlorine levels, the overarching need to balance chlorine's disinfection effectiveness with the sensory qualities of water is paramount in water treatment practices.