According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

The efficacy of disinfection using chlorine is dependent not only on the pathogen itself, but also on the pH and
temperature of the water. In general, disinfection is more effective at higher temperatures and lower pH.
Attachment to particulate matter, aggregation, encapsulation of the pathogen, ingestion by protozoa, and water
turbidity may also affect chlorine efficacy.

 Relatively low protection against protozoa

chlorine-resistant parasitic protozoa such as Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia are of particular
concern [19,20,21]. Cysts of Giardia and oocysts of Cryptosporidium can penetrate through the water
treatment system because of their small size (1–17 µm) and may cause outbreaks and epidemics after
consumption of purified drinking water.

Protozoan cysts such as Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia are highly resistant to chlorine
disinfection and may require prolonged contact times at high chlorine residuals (2–3 mg/l) to achieve 99.9%
(3-log) inactivation

Chlorine is recommended as a water treatment method in the household, especially in developing countries,
since it is affordable and easy-to-use disinfectant [48,49]. Additional chlorine disinfection at point-of-use
can reduce the risk of diarrhea caused by Escherichia coli among children by 29% [48]. Nevertheless, it has
several disadvantages: ineffectiveness against protozoa, loss of effectiveness, strong odor and disagreeable
taste due to organic material in the treated water [48,50]. In terms of resistance to chlorine inactivation,
viruses and bacteriophages are considered to be more resistant than vegetative bacterial cells [47]. Jarroll et
al. [51] determined that Giardia cysts had been relatively resistant to chlorine inactivation.

 Lower disinfection effectiveness in turbid waters

 Potential taste and odor objections

 Must ensure quality control of solution

 Potential long-term effects of chlorination by-products

THMs and other halogenated compounds are the main by-products of disinfection with chlorine.

Treatment to produce a monochloramine residual poses the risk of nitrite formation in the distribution
system, especially in low-flow stagnant areas, because bacteria on surfaces and in deposits may nitrify any
slight excess of ammonia. Chlorine dioxide forms undesirable inorganic by-products (chlorite and chlorate
ions) upon its reaction with constituents of water such as dissolved organic carbon, microbes and inorganic
ions. Therefore, a water utility may need to provide additional treatment depending on the level of these
inorganic by-products and their specific regulatory requirements