Experts slam debate

Water chlorination has saved hundreds of thousands of lives globally and should not be a debate in New Zealand, scientists say.

Chlorine has been used to disinfect water supplies around the world for more than 100 years but is not mandatory in New Zealand and many water supplies are untreated.

Harrison Grierson water and wastewater manager Iain Rabbitts said chlorine should be put in all water supplies in New Zealand.

Globally it has led to the biggest increase in human life span ever, it is vitally important, he said. See more

Chlorine Council Drinking Water Water Treatment