The Salt Lake City-County Health Department has announced a way residents can save $5,112.25: Don't buy unnecessary water filters and water treatment systems.
"Water filters in general are not necessary in this area, since we have some of the best water in the world," said Dr. Harry Gibbons, department executive director. "And, water filters, if not properly maintained or cleaned on a regular basis, can be breeding grounds for unwanted house and stomach guests."He said any treatment that can be done in the home can be done at the water treatment plant more effectively and at much less cost.
"The water treatment plants do all that is necessary to protect the water and are monitored by the health department for consistency."
Gibbons criticized the practices of those firms that are "attempting to frighten the citizens" into buying the filters and treatment systems. He said one particular firm charges $5,112.25. "But with some special arrangements, they will waive the sales tax."
One company, the director said, made the claim that in the Salt Lake Valley a chlorine valve stuck open and put massive doses of chlorine in a water system.
"That simply isn't true, and the chlorine equipment is designed to prevent such occurrences," Gibbons said. "Some of us object to chlorine in our water, but it performs a very vital task."
The director said that by the time the water gets to residents' homes, the chlorine has done its work.
"If you wish to remove the residual chlorine from your drinking water, just let it stand uncapped in the refrigerator for a few hours and the odor is gone," Gibbons said. "Storage water, tightly capped, will retain adequate amounts of chlorine for some time."
Gibbons was not referring to treatments that soften the water.