Chloride is a salt component found naturally in water. Human activities like road salting increase levels. High chloride can make water taste salty but isn't usually harmful.

Chloride occurs naturally in water from mineral deposits and seawater intrusion. Human activities, especially winter road salting, significantly increase chloride levels in many water sources. It's measured in parts per million (ppm) using laboratory tests. While essential for human health in small amounts, excessive chloride can corrode pipes and appliances. The EPA recommends a secondary maximum contaminant level of 250 ppm to prevent unpleasant taste. Most water treatment methods don't effectively remove chloride, making source protection crucial for managing levels.