Chlorine and chloramine are commonly used by public water systems to disinfect drinking water. They help control harmful microbes as water travels from the treatment plant through pipes and into homes.
For many households, the concern is not whether disinfection is useful. It is. The concern is taste, odor, disinfection byproducts, and whether they want to reduce chlorine or chloramine before drinking the water.
This guide explains what chlorine and chloramine are, why water utilities use them, how they differ, and which filtration methods can help reduce them from everyday drinking water.
Why Is Chlorine Used in Drinking Water?
Chlorine has been used in public drinking water treatment for more than a century. It is widely used because it is effective, affordable, and leaves a residual disinfectant that can continue protecting water as it moves through the distribution system.
Chlorine can also affect the way water smells and tastes. Some people notice a swimming-pool-like odor or a sharp chemical taste, especially when chlorine levels are higher or when water sits in plumbing.
Because of this, many households choose to filter their drinking water to improve taste and reduce chlorine before use.
Why Some Water Systems Use Chloramine Instead
Chloramine is formed when chlorine is combined with ammonia. The form most commonly used in drinking water treatment is monochloramine.
Water utilities may use chloramine because it is more stable than free chlorine and can last longer in the distribution system. This can be helpful in large water systems where water travels long distances through pipes.
However, chloramine can be harder to reduce than chlorine. It does not dissipate from water as quickly, and many simple filters that reduce chlorine taste and odor may not be as effective for chloramine unless they are specifically designed for it.
Chlorine vs. Chloramine: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Chlorine | Chloramine |
|---|---|---|
| Common use | Primary or residual disinfectant | Longer-lasting residual disinfectant |
| Stability in water | Less stable; dissipates more easily | More stable; remains longer |
| Taste and odor | Can create a noticeable chlorine taste or smell | May create a chemical or treated-water taste |
| Filtration difficulty | Often easier to reduce carbon | Usually requires more contact time or specialized carbon |
Are Chlorine and Chloramine Safe?
Public water systems use disinfectants because untreated water can carry serious risks. At regulated levels, chlorine and chloramine are used to help protect drinking water during distribution.
That said, many people still prefer to reduce disinfectant taste, odor, and related byproducts from the water they drink. This is especially common among households that use water for coffee, tea, cooking, baby formula preparation, or daily drinking.
If you have a medical condition, use dialysis, keep fish or aquatic pets, or have special water requirements, follow professional guidance. Chloramine must be removed from water used in dialysis and aquariums because it can be harmful in those specific situations.
Why Remove Chlorine or Chloramine from Drinking Water?
There are several practical reasons people choose to reduce chlorine or chloramine from their water:
- Better taste: chlorine and chloramine can create a chemical taste.
- Better smell: some tap water has a noticeable odor of disinfectant.
- Improved coffee and tea flavor: water chemistry can influence beverage flavor.
- Reduced exposure to disinfection byproducts: chlorine can react with organic matter to form certain byproducts.
- Personal preference: many households simply prefer filtered drinking water.
Can Chlorine Evaporate from Water?
Free chlorine can dissipate from water over time, especially if water is left uncovered. This is why some people leave water sitting out before using it for plants or aquariums.
However, this approach is not reliable for everyday drinking water filtration, and it does not work well for chloramine. Chloramine is more stable and remains in water much longer than free chlorine.
If your water utility uses chloramine, filtration is usually a more practical approach than waiting for the water to sit.
How to Know Whether Your Water Uses Chlorine or Chloramine
The easiest way is to check your local water quality report or contact your water provider. Many utilities list whether they use chlorine, chloramine, or another disinfectant.
You can also use drinking water test strips that measure free chlorine and total chlorine. If total chlorine is present but free chlorine is low, chloramine may be present. For the most reliable information, confirm with your water utility.
How to Remove Chlorine and Chloramine from Drinking Water
The right method depends on which disinfectant your water provider uses, how much water you want to treat, and whether you need drinking-water-only filtration or whole-house treatment.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon is one of the most common methods for reducing chlorine taste and odor. It works mainly through adsorption and surface reactions, helping reduce chlorine and many taste-and-odor concerns.
For chloramine, ordinary carbon may require more contact time and a more specialized filter design. Not every carbon filter is effective for chloramine, so it is important to review product testing and specifications.
Catalytic Carbon Filtration
Catalytic carbon is a modified form of activated carbon designed to improve certain chemical reduction reactions. It is often used when chloramine reduction is a priority.
Compared with standard activated carbon, catalytic carbon may perform better for chloramine under the right conditions, especially when the filter provides enough contact time.
Reverse Osmosis
Reverse osmosis systems use a semipermeable membrane to reduce many dissolved substances. Many RO systems also include carbon prefilters that help reduce chlorine or chloramine before water reaches the membrane.
RO systems are usually installed under a sink and are commonly used for drinking and cooking water rather than whole-house water treatment.
Whole-House Filtration
If your goal is to reduce disinfectant smell or taste throughout the home, a whole-house filtration system may be considered. These systems are larger and more expensive than point-of-use filters, and performance depends on media type, tank size, flow rate, and maintenance.
Whole-house chloramine reduction often requires a properly sized catalytic carbon system because chloramine needs enough contact time with the media.
Chemical Neutralization
Chemical neutralizers can reduce chlorine and chloramine in certain uses, such as aquariums or brewing. However, they are not usually the preferred everyday method for household drinking water unless specifically designed for that purpose.
Why Chloramine Is Harder to Remove Than Chlorine
Chloramine is more stable than free chlorine. That stability is useful for water utilities because it lasts longer in the distribution system, but it also means chloramine does not leave water as easily.
To reduce chloramine effectively, a filter usually needs:
- Enough carbon media
- Enough contact time
- Proper flow rate
- Appropriate carbon type, often catalytic carbon
- Regular replacement or maintenance
A small pitcher, refrigerator filter, or shower filter may improve taste, but it should not automatically be assumed to reduce chloramine effectively unless the manufacturer provides relevant testing data.
Can Berkey Filters Reduce Chlorine and Chloramine?
Berkey water filter systems are countertop gravity-fed filtration systems designed for everyday drinking water use. They do not require electricity or plumbing, which makes them convenient for kitchens, apartments, offices, and small spaces.
Black Berkey® Elements have been tested for the reduction of chlorine and a broad range of unwanted contaminants. If you are choosing a Berkey system primarily for chloramine, review the current product information and testing data so you can choose the right filter setup for your needs.
Popular Berkey options include:
- Big Berkey® Water Filter for everyday household use.
- Travel Berkey® Water Filter for smaller households or limited countertop space.
- Royal Berkey® Water Filter for larger daily water needs.
- Black Berkey® Replacement Elements for replacement filter needs.
- Shop Replacement Filters to compare compatible replacement options.
For a broader overview of common drinking water concerns, see our Drinking Water Contaminants Reference Guide.
Chlorine, Chloramine, and Plumbing Concerns
Water chemistry can affect plumbing over time. In some systems, disinfectants, pH, alkalinity, pipe age, and corrosion control practices may influence whether metals such as lead or copper enter water from plumbing materials.
If your home has older plumbing, lead service lines, lead solder, or recurring corrosion issues, consider testing your water. For more information, see our Lead in Drinking Water Guide.
Special Situations: Aquariums, Dialysis, and Brewing
Aquariums and Fish
Chlorine and chloramine can be harmful to fish and aquatic life. Water used for aquariums should be treated with products or systems specifically intended for aquarium use.
Dialysis
Chloramine must be removed from water used in dialysis. Dialysis patients should follow guidance from their medical provider and dialysis center. Household drinking water filters should not be used as a substitute for dialysis water treatment.
Brewing Coffee, Tea, and Beer
Chlorine and chloramine can affect flavor. Many coffee, tea, and home-brewing enthusiasts choose filtered water to improve taste and reduce chemical odors.
FAQ: Chlorine and Chloramine in Drinking Water
What is the difference between chlorine and chloramine?
Chlorine is a common disinfectant used in drinking water treatment. Chloramine is formed by combining chlorine with ammonia. Chloramine lasts longer in water and is usually harder to reduce than chlorine.
Can I remove chlorine by letting water sit out?
Free chlorine may dissipate if water is left uncovered, but this method is not reliable for everyday drinking water and does not work well for chloramine.
Does boiling water remove chloramine?
Boiling is not a practical or reliable method for removing chloramine from household drinking water. Filtration designed for chloramine reduction is usually a better approach.
Do refrigerator filters remove chloramine?
Some refrigerator filters may improve taste and reduce chlorine, but chloramine reduction varies by filter. Check the manufacturer’s testing data before relying on any filter for chloramine.
What type of filter is best for chloramine?
Catalytic carbon systems are often used for chloramine reduction because chloramine is more stable than chlorine. System size, contact time, flow rate, and maintenance all matter.
Can Berkey filters reduce chlorine?
Black Berkey® Elements have been tested for chlorine reduction. Berkey systems are often chosen by households that want countertop gravity-fed filtration for everyday drinking water.
Should I filter all the water in my house, or only the drinking water?
It depends on your goal. If your concern is drinking water taste and odor, a countertop or under-sink system may be enough. If your concern is disinfectant odor throughout the home, a whole-house system may be worth researching.
The Bottom Line
Chlorine and chloramine play an important role in public drinking water treatment. They help protect water as it travels through the distribution system. However, many households prefer to reduce disinfectant taste, odor, and related water-quality concerns before drinking the water.
Chlorine is generally easier to reduce than chloramine. Chloramine is more stable and usually requires more contact time, specialized carbon, or a properly designed filtration system.
If you want a convenient countertop option for everyday drinking water, explore Berkey water filter systems. If your water provider uses chloramine, review product details carefully and choose a system that matches your specific water-quality goals.