The high concentration of chlorine in well water is not safe for drinking, nor is it good for fish tanks. Though we all know that chlorine helps in water purification, if it exceeds a certain limit, it can be toxic for humans. Water disinfection is equally important, and we cannot neglect the role of chlorine for this purpose, but how long does it take to get the chlorine out of well water?

It’s important to find out so that we can use the water for drinking without worrying about any kind of risk associated with drinking chlorinated water.

Too much chlorine is unsafe; after all, it’s a chemical. So, be careful and read out how long it takes to clear out of well water.

How much time does it take for chlorine to get out of well water?

If you have applied the shock chlorination method, it will take one hour or at times a full day for chlorine to be removed from well water. The time differs because it depends on quite a few factors such as the well depth, the level of concentration, etc.

Moreover, in the shock chlorination process, the chlorine passes through the entire plumbing system, including water lines, faucets, and all fixtures. Thus, after the process is done, you keep every faucet turned on until chlorinated water no longer comes out of it. If you turn off the faucets before, the chlorine will sit in pipes and will take more time to dissipate.

So, make sure to turn on every connected faucet so that it takes less time to flush chlorine out of the system.

For more effectiveness, you can drain out the hot water, and it will take the chlorine out with it.

Why is it necessary to chlorinate and then wait for it to get out of well water?

It’s common for a well and the plumbing system to get affected by germs and bacteria, and it often leads to buildup and clogging. If not fixed on time, it leads to a bigger problem and disrupts the whole plumbing system. Plus, it makes the water contaminated. Drinking contaminated water leads to severe diseases.

The shock chlorination technique is then used to clear water of all such viruses and bacteria. In this method, chlorine is circulated in all directions of a plumbing system, including the well.

Moreover, chlorination helps eliminate iron bacteria, water smell, harmful germs such as coliform, and clear out yellow or brown water. For all these, chlorination plays a critical role.

Note that the amount of chlorine used for this purpose is much higher than that used in regular disinfection. Since a high chlorine concentration is unsafe for humans, it becomes necessary to flush the chlorine out of well water before it is used.

How long should you wait to use water after chlorination?

As we have seen, no exact time can be given, but in general, it takes 24 hours for the chlorine to get out completely. If it is a deep well, we suggest waiting for a few more hours just to be on the safe side and let the chlorine get away completely.

Avoid drinking or taking showers in chlorinated water, or you may put yourself in danger. Eye infection, skin irritation are a few of the problems you have to go through. If you are exposed to it for a long time, concentrated chlorinated water can prove to be fatal for humans. Wildlife and plants are also at risk. So, get rid of chlorinated water carefully.

What are the signs of high chlorine levels in well water?

Sometimes it happens that chlorine takes longer than usual to get out of the complete plumbing system, and you use the water without knowing about it.

In this case, you can save yourself from danger by noticing a sign that depicts a high concentration of chlorine. The signs include foul taste or odor, skin irritation, or feeling sick after drinking well water.

If you feel any of these, get your water tested for chlorination and make sure it is at the safe level before you use the water again.

What is the safe level of chlorine in drinking water?

As for drinking water to be safe, chlorine levels up to 4 milligrams per liter is taken as safe. A lab test will give you the exact level. Therefore, it is suggested that you get the test done from authorized laboratories and take action accordingly.

Conclusion

While chlorine makes well water pure and safe for drinking, it poses a serious risk if consumed in high doses. For that reason, we wait for the chlorine to get out, and it may take as many as 24 hours for complete exclusion.

At times it may take longer than that, but there are signs that portray a high dose of chlorine present in well water. Avoid using the water and get your water tested for confirmation if you notice such warning elements. You can test the water using any method you like as long as you are sure it gives accurate results.

Next time you do the chlorination, remember to wait for it before you use the water again.