SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Illinois officials are considering doubling the amount of chlorine in your drinking water to fight Legionnaires’ disease.

Not just in Springfield, but in every municipality in the state.

While some believe it will help, others think there are better ways.

“To make that assumption that chlorine is going to solve the problem for Legionnaires’, I just don’t think it will and I don’t think people should have to have it if they don’t want it,” Springfield resident Paul Ray said.

We also received a statement from CWLP:

“We do not believe increasing the chlorine level is the answer to reducing Legionella. Interior plumbing system requirements such as Water Management plans that include flushing programs for properties is the answer, as it is known Legionella and other bacteria grow where water is aged and stagnant, especially in buildings with old plumbing.”

Springfield resident Ray agrees with CWLP.

“I say leave the chlorine out and let’s try to get a different solution if we can,” Ray said.

CWLP said their chlorine residuals are already over 1.0, so it would cost them under 10,000 to install new flushing stations. But for other cities in Illinois, they could see much higher costs.