Why might chlorine be added to drinking water?

Sometimes, the local water authority adds too much chlorine to the water, to the point where you can actually smell the chlorine in the water. It is believed that adding chlorine to water kills the microbes that might otherwise be responsible for typhoid, cholera, and dysentery - diseases that have historically plagued humanity.

Nevertheless, we should probably be grateful for the fact that most of us can open a tap in our homes and obtain safe, drinkable water that doesn't pose a health risk. This is especially true given that we use the water for bathing, cleaning, and even drinking. It's a shame I wasn't born 200 years ago.

Similarly, fluoride salts have long been added to water supplies in an effort to promote dental health; search for "Texas teeth" online, but be aware that many conspiracy theories still surface.

To make sure that drinking water is safe to drink, chlorine is added to disinfect and get rid of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites.