The EPA allows iodine for ...
Published by C. Bruce Bartley, President and Senior Technical Officer
The EPA allows iodine for emergency disinfection but bromine is not listed as an acceptable disinfectant for drinking water. Bromine is more commonly used to disinfect pools, spas and other water features. Bromine has an odor and taste which is why it may not be acceptable or widely practiced in drinking water. WHO guidelines for emergency disinfection only suggests chlorine. I hope this helps.