Fleck Chlorine Taste & Smell Filter

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Reading a Certified Laboratory Test for Chlorine in Your Water

When a certified laboratory tests for chlorine in household water, the report usually gives a concentration level measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). This figure indicates the amount of chlorine detected at the time of sampling. It is important to understand that "detected" means chlorine was measured, but it is not a statement about safety or violation of standards. The test results help you identify the presence and approximate concentration of chlorine, which your own water may or may not contain at the same levels. To know your specific home's chlorine level, a test of your own water is necessary.

How Chlorine Enters Groundwater or the Distribution System in This Region

In South Bend, St. Joseph County, the public water supply comes from groundwater sources. Chlorine is commonly introduced into the water distribution system as a disinfectant to control microbial growth and ensure safe delivery to consumers. Due to treatment procedures at the water plant, low levels of chlorine residual may be present in the water delivered to homes. Groundwater itself generally does not contain chlorine naturally; instead, chlorine appears in the system after water leaves the source and enters treatment and distribution.

What Happens When Chlorine Presence Is Left Untreated for Years

If chlorine or its taste and smell in water is not addressed over many years, household users may notice persistent issues such as an ongoing chemical taste or slight odor in drinking water and water used for cooking or bathing. These sensory effects may cause discomfort or reduce enjoyment of water but are not a health violation when within regulated limits. Furthermore, chlorine can interact with plumbing materials and appliances, sometimes leading to premature wear or minor corrosion. However, these outcomes depend on the specific water chemistry and usage patterns in the home.

What 'Detected', 'Median' and 'Range' Mean in the Sampling Record on This Page

The EPA's public water system record for South Bend Water Works, which serves St. Joseph County, shows no health-based violations for chlorine or any other constituent. The record includes terms such as "detected," indicating chlorine was measured, and statistical values like "median" and "range." The median represents the middle value of all samples taken, offering an idea of typical chlorine concentrations, while the range describes the lowest and highest measured values. None of these figures alone defines the quality of water in your specific home, but they provide a broad perspective on what the system supplies across its service area.

Which Fixtures, Appliances or Processes Are Affected First and Why

Fixtures and appliances most immediately affected by chlorine in water are typically those with frequent water contact, such as faucets used for drinking and cooking, and showerheads. The taste and smell of chlorine are most noticeable when water is consumed or inhaled during bathing. Additionally, appliances like coffee makers or ice machines may retain chlorine flavors if water contains residual chlorine. Over time, some surfaces in contact with chlorinated water may show minor staining or experience faster material degradation, depending on chlorine concentration and exposure duration.

What You Should NOT Conclude from Area Data

The public water system’s reported data reflects broad sampling results across many connections and does not reveal your specific household’s water quality or chlorine levels. Detection of chlorine in the system is not a safety violation, nor does it mean your water contains the same amounts. Additionally, no health-based violations for chlorine have been recorded for South Bend Water Works, indicating regulatory compliance. To fully understand your home’s chlorine condition and treatment needs, individual testing is necessary.

For households seeking to address chlorine taste and smell, equipment such as the Fleck Chlorine Taste & Smell Filter ships ready to configure and is designed to reduce these effects, improving water quality where chlorine presence is a concern.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA SDWIS record for SOUTH BEND WATER WORKS (IN5271014), groundwater supply, serving 115000 people: 0 health-based violations of 2 total; lead 90th percentile 0.0047 mg/L