Chloride

One of the oldest indications of water pollution, chloride comes from many natural sources or from water use (e.g., domestic use results in 10-20 mg/l increase of Cl-concentration). It may affect taste if the concentration is more than 250 mg/l. Waters along with high Cl concentrations cannot be used for irrigation of sensitive crops. It causes raised corrosion. While, higher concentrations might be found in groundwater because of naturally high levels of chloride in soils in some areas or contamination by road salt. Chloride is the most abundant anion in the human body and any excess is excreted in the urine. There is no evidence which ingestion of chloride is harmful to humans. The excess chloride imparts an objectionable taste.