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Original poster

a nice chlorinated bath for my baby...

20 replies

loopylopey · 12/01/2007 16:17

we've just moved house and i've noticed that the water in this area of manchester is really chlorinated. so, i asked the water people to test it which they did today... its 3 times the average of most houses... so you'd expect them to say that something can be done, but noooo, its not a dangerous level. a dangerous level is 4 times the average!! so, i'm not bathing my 19wk DD as the fumes from the bath water are horrible (and i've been told can link to childhood asthma) plus she's got a few dry patches of skin on her legs which i can only assume are from this nasty water.

i asked the water company what i can do as i'm worried about my baby and they suggested boiling the kettle (as it sterilises the water) and filling the bath that way! like i've got that much time on my hands...

has anyone got any clever ideas?!

here's hoping, otherwise my baby is going to become a crusty and never bathe again.

OP posts:

RubyRioja · 12/01/2007 16:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MrsBadger · 12/01/2007 16:19

If you run the bath reall hot and let it cool, a lot of the chlorine will have evaporated by the time it's got to baby-bathing temp.

Sterilising water won't get rid of the chlorine (chlorine is in fact added to kill bacteria etc and make the water cleaner) - but boiling it will make the chlorine evaporate off.

Not very efficient though...

Original poster

loopylopey · 12/01/2007 16:21

thats a good idea, thanks...

i'll go run it now! thanks again.

OP posts:

hippmummy · 12/01/2007 16:22

I think I have heard of water filters that can be attached to taps.
No idea where to get them, or the cost, but may be a solution to research.
Sorry the advise is so vague...

hippmummy · 12/01/2007 16:24

Advice, obviously

Original poster

loopylopey · 12/01/2007 17:13

thanks - have just tried leaving bath for 50mins and it seems to have worked - will bath the little stinker tonight. thanks also for advice on taps - will do.

OP posts:

Macdog · 12/01/2007 17:22

Dechlorinating salts here but look expensive, mind you I don't know how much you'd have to use

RubberDuck · 12/01/2007 17:26

I think long term, it might be worth getting a water filter - you can get whole house water filtering systems (note: I've never used one though so I don't know the drawbacks or how useful they are - I just know they're supposed to remove chlorine and other chemicals).

They're fitted at the point the mains supply enters the house and look like they cost in the region of £1000 (plus fitting presumably) and replacement filters are about £15 (changed yearly from what I can tell).

A google using the search term "water filters" should bring up lots of companies to give you a better idea of what's available.

Thunderpants · 12/01/2007 20:42

you could try adding some oats to the water, after leaving it for a while to clear the fumes. put some oats in a sock or something and tie it to the tap. the water will turn sort of cloudy, but it's very good for softening the water and helping dry irritated skin. (have tried putting neat oats directly into the water but it really does turn to porridge, so not advisable )

fishie · 12/01/2007 20:47

ll, is it your house or your area? is there anything you can do about this, it sounds really unfair. yes of course you could get a filter/watersoftener, but you are already paying for this swimming pool stuff.

Original poster

loopylopey · 13/01/2007 11:24

i know!! its the area apparently - but i haven't asked the neighbours yet if they find it really chlorinated so will find out. hopefully it will go away or we'll get used to it... am using lots of cream on DD now cos her skin is dry from bathwater. and to top it all off we also have mice! moving house is a nightmare! thanks for your advice.

OP posts:

Original poster

loopylopey · 13/01/2007 11:32

thanks macdog - we're getting the salts today... thanks for the link, really helpful!

OP posts:

Macdog · 13/01/2007 16:36

Glad I could help

Macdog · 17/01/2007 12:48

Did you get the salts, loopy?
How are you getting on with them?

dizzymac · 17/01/2007 12:56

Hi, Loopey sorry to ask but whereabouts are you in Manchester. I'm in Manchester too and have wondered about the smell of our water( smells like the swimming pool) and wondered if you were close by. Maybe more complaints might help.

moodlesoup · 19/01/2007 12:50

hi - have changed my name! have had to go away this week cos we had a flea infestation and DH fumigated house! have just got back today.

Macdog - salts have been good so far. Takes the smell off straight away.
Dizzy - i'm in Whalley Range - just moved from Chorlton. Apparently its a separate supply here. I complained to United Utilities. Where are you based?

moodlesoup · 20/01/2007 18:05

Macdog - we're on day 4 of the salts and i can't rate them highly enough! The bathroom no longer smells like a council swimming pool, they are fantastic. Even though it seems expensive at £22 a pot, you don't need many of the salts - i reckon we'll get 50 baths out of the pot which isn't bad going. Worth paying for!
Thanks so much for the info, you saved me from lots of angst.

Macdog · 20/01/2007 18:56

We found a difference with dd.
She no longer creates merry hell in the bath. Our water didn't sound as chloriney as yours, but had that 'bleachy' smell.

Salts definitely work out cheaper than a water filtration system

spidermum · 20/01/2007 23:42

We're in Brighton and i really noticed the smell in our first house. Hated bathing the kids. Not so bad in our new house just down the road. Thank you for the link to the salts. I've got a 6mo baby and don't like bathing him in it but he loves his bath. Our water doesn't always smell. Surely the treatment levels should be consistent. Don't understand.

moodlesoup · 21/01/2007 14:38

The water man told me that every time they carry out works on a piece of pipe, they have to dose the whole section with chlorine as the pipe has been exposed to the elements - which is why you might notice it a bit stronger if there has been waterworks in your area. its a horrible thought, that they just throw a load of chemicals into the pipes but apparently thats what happens to keep bacteria down. and they put more in during summer months. joy!

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