Sodium hypochlorite solution sometimes known as liquid Chlorine kills bacteria, algae, and many other microorganisms in swimming pools, drinking water, waste water, sewage treatment and many other industrial wastes. When applied to industrial waste water, Sodium hypochlorite reduce odours by neutralizing sulphur hydrogen gas (SH) and ammonia (NH3).

It is also used to detoxify cyanide baths in metal industries and to prevent algae and shellfish growth in cooling towers.

In water treatment and swimming pools, Sodium hypochlorite is used to disinfect water. It has the advantage that microorganisms cannot build up any resistance to it. Sodium hypochlorite is effective against Legionella bacteria and bio film, in which Legionella bacteria can multiply.