The addition of chlorine to the water supply is mandated by the Nassau County Department of Health. A minimum residual is there as an added defense to fight any potential harmful bacteria that may arise within the distribution system. Bethpage Water District had a chlorine waiver until 2010 which alleviated us from having to chlorinate.
At that point, we were the last District in New York State to have a chlorine waiver. It was not revoked for any violations or anything to do with the Northrop Grumman Plume. It was mandated by the Health department as an added level of safety. The easiest way to remove it is to put it in a open top container in the refrigerator overnight and the chlorine will dissipate out.