Chloride Content:

Chlorides, which are compound of chlorine, with other elements or radicals are present in mostly all natural water. The range of concentration is very wide. The concentration due to chloride is mostly with Sodium, i.e. NaCl (the common salt) and to some extent with Calcium and Magnesium. They are the most stable components in water. Chlorides in water are derived from natural mineral deposits, from agricultural or irrigation discharge, from sewage and industrial effluents. Most of the rivers and lakes have chloride concentration less than 50 mg/1. Chlorides are not detrimental to health but the salt intake (i.e. the common salt or NaCl) for people suffering from heart or kidney ailment has to be restricted. However, salt intake from drinking water is very small compared to that from food stuffs. For a water supply scheme, it is better to restrict the chloride content to a limit to 200 mg/l.