Did you know that there is a big chance you may be inadvertently adding chlorine as an ingredient in the dishes you prepare for your family at home? It's true. A lot of people don't realize it, but the tap water coming from their kitchen sink, the water they use for drinking and for cooking, can contain chlorine (if they don't have something like a whole house water filter system [http://wholehousewaterfiltersystems.net] or similar installed).

Many municipal or city water systems add chlorine to the water supply to prevent the growth of harmful molds and other microorganisms. Indeed, the addition of chlorine to disinfect water was a major factor in the reduction of the number of cases of deadly diseases such as typhoid fever and cholera.

However, chlorine can react with organic matter in water supply systems to create a group of by-products known as trihalomethanes (THMs), which includes chloroform. This is disturbing because THMs are linked to serious health problems such as cancer and arteriosclerosis.

Several studies, including one published in a 1992 issue of the American Journal of Public Health, suggested that individuals who regularly consume tap water that contained chlorine by-products were at greater risk for developing cancer of the bladder or rectum than those who drink unchlorinated water.

So, does this mean that you should go out and buy a countertop water purifier or filter to install in your kitchen? Well, the answer depends on the quality of water that is going into your home.

The best thing to do is to have your water examined by a professional. Some people live in areas where their main source of water is a well, and such water sources sometimes undergo no treatment for impurities or contaminants. It is possible that this type of water is microbiologically unsafe, and countertop water filters are not sufficient for removing certain microbes.

However, if you live in a city or municipality where the water system chlorinates your water, countertop water filters may be enough for your needs. Such devices usually do a good job eliminating chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and basic impurities from your drinking water. You will end up with water that is odorless and which has no taste of chlorine.

There are numerous companies that manufacture and sell these countertop filter systems. If you are planning to purchase one, do your research and make sure the one you get meets the industry's performance and quality standards. Finding out about other people's experiences and feedback about a certain make or model will also help you make an informed decision.