Chloramine is a disinfectant used by many public water systems to help maintain water quality as treated water travels through distribution pipes. Although chloramine serves the same general purpose as chlorine, it behaves differently and is becoming increasingly common in municipal water systems across the United States.
Many homeowners are unfamiliar with chloramine until they notice a change in their tap water or learn that their local utility has switched disinfectants. This guide explains what chloramine is, why it is used, how it differs from chlorine, and practical steps homeowners can take to improve the taste and quality of their drinking water.
Looking for a countertop gravity-fed filtration system? The Big Berkey® Water Filter is our most popular stainless steel system for everyday household use.
What Is Chloramine?
Chloramine is a disinfectant created by combining chlorine with a small amount of ammonia. Water utilities use carefully controlled amounts to help maintain a disinfectant residual as water travels through miles of underground distribution pipes.
The most common form used in drinking water treatment is monochloramine.
Although chloramine is produced using chlorine, it behaves differently in drinking water and remains effective for longer in distribution systems.
Why Do Water Utilities Use Chloramine?
Many water utilities have switched from chlorine to chloramine because chloramine remains stable longer as water moves through large distribution systems.
Benefits of chloramine include:
- Provides long-lasting disinfectant residuals
- Helps maintain water quality throughout extensive pipe networks
- Often produces less noticeable taste and odor than chlorine
- Can reduce the formation of certain disinfection byproducts compared with chlorine alone
Today, millions of Americans receive drinking water treated with chloramine.
Chloramine vs. Chlorine
Although both chemicals are used to disinfect drinking water, they have several important differences.
| Chlorine | Chloramine |
|---|---|
| Works quickly | Lasts longer in distribution systems |
| Often stronger taste and odor | Usually milder taste and odor |
| Used by many utilities | Common in larger municipal systems |
| Dissipates relatively quickly | More chemically stable |
If your water utility uses chlorine instead, visit our Chlorine in Drinking Water Guide.
Why Doesn't Chloramine Evaporate Like Chlorine?
One reason chloramine is popular with water utilities is its chemical stability. Unlike chlorine, chloramine does not dissipate as quickly when water sits in pipes or storage tanks.
This longer-lasting disinfectant residual helps protect water quality throughout the distribution system, especially in large cities with extensive pipe networks.
Can You Taste or Smell Chloramine?
Some people notice a slight medicinal, chemical, or swimming pool-like taste or odor, although chloramine generally produces a milder taste than free chlorine.
Sensitivity varies from person to person, and many people cannot distinguish chloramine at all.
Potential Health Considerations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates chloramine use in public drinking water systems. When maintained within federal standards, chloramine is considered an effective disinfectant for municipal water supplies.
Some homeowners choose to reduce chloramine at the point of use for personal taste.
Unlike chlorine, chloramine is more difficult to remove simply by allowing water to stand or by boiling.
EPA Standards for Chloramine
The EPA has established a Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) of 4.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L), or 4 parts per million (ppm), for chloramine in public drinking water systems.
Water utilities routinely monitor disinfectant levels to remain within federal drinking water requirements.
Can Chloramine Affect Aquariums or Medical Equipment?
Yes.
Unlike everyday drinking water use, chloramine may require special attention for:
- Fish aquariums
- Kidney dialysis equipment
- Certain laboratory or industrial applications
Aquarium owners should use products specifically designed to neutralize chloramine before adding tap water to fish tanks.
Individuals receiving home dialysis should always follow guidance provided by their healthcare provider and equipment manufacturer.
How Can Homeowners Reduce Chloramine?
If you wish to reduce chloramine in your drinking water, consider these practical steps:
- Review your local Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).
- Confirm whether your utility uses chlorine or chloramine.
- Use a quality point-of-use filtration system designed to reduce chloramine.
- Replace filter elements according to product guidance.
- Consult your utility if you have questions about local treatment methods.
Berkey® Water Filters and Chloramine Reduction
Berkey® countertop gravity-fed water filter systems are designed for everyday household use.
When equipped with Black Berkey® Replacement Filters, Berkey® systems are designed to reduce chloramine and a broad range of other unwanted contaminants.
For most households, the Big Berkey® Water Filter provides an excellent combination of capacity, convenience, and daily countertop filtration.
Choosing the Right Berkey® System
| System | Capacity | Best For | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Berkey® | 1.5 Gallons | Singles & Couples | View Product |
| Big Berkey® | 2.25 Gallons | Most Families | View Product |
| Royal Berkey® | 3.25 Gallons | Larger Families | View Product |
| Imperial Berkey® | 4.5 Gallons | High Daily Water Use | View Product |
| Crown Berkey® | 6 Gallons | Large Homes & Offices | View Product |
Related Drinking Water Guides
- Drinking Water Contaminants Reference Guide
- Chlorine in Drinking Water Guide
- Lead in Drinking Water Guide
- PFAS in Drinking Water Guide
- Arsenic in Drinking Water Guide
- VOCs in Drinking Water Guide
- Chromium-6 in Drinking Water Guide
- Hard Water Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chloramine?
Chloramine is a drinking water disinfectant made by combining chlorine with a small amount of ammonia. It helps maintain water quality throughout municipal distribution systems.
Why do some cities use chloramine instead of chlorine?
Chloramine remains effective longer as water travels through large pipe networks and may reduce the formation of certain disinfection byproducts.
Can boiling water remove chloramine?
No. Chloramine is much more stable than chlorine and does not dissipate easily by boiling or letting water sit.
Is chloramine safe in drinking water?
Public water systems maintain chloramine levels according to EPA drinking water regulations and routinely monitor disinfectant residuals.
How do I know if my city uses chloramine?
Your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or website will typically identify the disinfectant used in your drinking water.
Why is chloramine a concern for aquariums?
Fish are sensitive to chloramine. Aquarium owners should always use water conditioners specifically designed to neutralize chloramine before adding tap water to aquariums.
Which Berkey® system is best for most households?
The Big Berkey® Water Filter is our most popular countertop gravity-fed system because it offers an excellent balance of capacity and convenience.
Where can I buy replacement filters?
You can shop genuine replacement elements on our Berkey® Replacement Filters page.
Final Thoughts
Chloramine has become an increasingly common drinking water disinfectant because it provides longer-lasting protection throughout municipal water distribution systems. Although many homeowners never notice its presence, others choose to reduce chloramine to improve the taste and quality of their everyday drinking water.
For households looking for a convenient countertop gravity-fed filtration system, the Big Berkey® Water Filter remains our most popular choice for daily use.