Most people don't think much about what's coming out of the kitchen faucet until something changes. Most people don't think much about what's coming out of the kitchen faucet until something changes.
Over the past few decades, many municipal water systems have adopted chloramine because it remains effective longer as treated water travels through the distribution system. While many homeowners never notice the difference, others become curious about how chloramine compares with chlorine and whether it affects the taste or quality of their drinking water.
This guide explains what chloramine is, why many utilities use it, how it differs from chlorine, and what options are available to improve the taste and odor of your drinking water.
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Why More Cities Are Using Chloramine
For decades, chlorine has been one of the most common disinfectants used in municipal drinking water treatment. It acts quickly and plays an important role in maintaining water quality before treated water enters the distribution system.
Getting water from the treatment plant to the tap, however, is only part of the process. In many communities, that journey can span dozens of miles of underground pipes. Utilities need a disinfectant that remains present throughout the trip, even as water travels across an entire city.
That's one of chloramine's biggest advantages.
Because chloramine is more chemically stable than free chlorine, it maintains a disinfectant residual over longer distances. This makes it particularly useful in larger distribution systems where treated water may spend more time moving through the network before reaching homes and businesses.
There's a reason for utilities to make the switch. In certain systems, chloramine can also minimize the production of some disinfection byproducts that are produced when chlorine is used over a long period of time, making it desirable for long-term water treatment.
Not all municipalities are using chloramine, however. Varying water quality, infrastructure, operational objectives, and distribution system size determine the selection of an appropriate DEI. Chlorine continues to be used in some communities because it works well to address their needs, and others have determined that chloramine is more useful in their larger disinfectant system.
A homeowner's transition is often imperceptible. Most people will not be able to see the difference in their water. Some people may notice a slight taste or smell, especially if the water source's treatment method has been altered recently.
What Exactly Is Chloramine?
If you've heard your local water utility mention chloramine, it's easy to assume it's simply another name for chlorine. The two are closely related, but they aren't the same disinfectant.
Chloramine is produced by combining chlorine with a carefully controlled amount of ammonia during the water treatment process. The form used by most municipal water systems is monochloramine. Although several forms of chloramine exist, monochloramine is preferred because it remains stable throughout the distribution system, helping utilities maintain a consistent disinfectant residual from the treatment plant to the customer's tap.
The chemistry of chloramine might sound complicated, but it's actually simple. Water providers want treated water to reach treated-water customers with an adequate level of disinfection after passing through miles of underground pipes.
Many people never realize their community uses chloramine until their utility announces a change in treatment methods. Others notice only subtle differences in taste or odor, while some don't notice any difference at all.
Chloramine vs. Chlorine: What's the Difference?
Although chlorine and chloramine are both used in municipal drinking water treatment, they don't behave in the same way once they're introduced into the distribution system.
A simple comparison helps.
Think of chlorine as a sprinter. It works quickly but gradually dissipates as water moves farther from the treatment facility.
Chloramine takes a different approach. It reacts more slowly, yet it remains present for much longer, making it well suited to larger distribution networks where treated water may travel considerable distances before reaching homes.
That difference doesn't necessarily make one disinfectant better than the other. Utilities choose the option that best fits their distribution system, operating requirements, and local water conditions.
Homeowners, however, may notice a few practical distinctions.
| Chlorine | Chloramine |
| Acts quickly | Remains stable for longer |
| Often produces a stronger taste or odor | Usually has a milder taste or odor |
| Dissipates relatively quickly | Breaks down more slowly |
| Common in many municipal systems | Frequently used in larger distribution networks |
If your community continues to use chlorine rather than chloramine, our Chlorine in Drinking Water Guide provides a closer look at how it affects drinking water and what homeowners can expect.
Why Doesn't Chloramine Fade Like Chlorine?
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is surprisingly practical.
"If chlorine disappears when water sits overnight, why doesn't chloramine?"
The answer lies in chemistry. Chloramine forms a more stable compound than free chlorine, so it doesn't dissipate as quickly when water sits in a pitcher, glass, or household plumbing. That's one reason utilities rely on it for larger distribution systems, and it's also why simply letting water sit overnight or boiling it generally isn't effective for reducing chloramine.
Why Some People Notice It More Than Others
Not everyone experiences chloramine in the same way.
Some households never notice a difference after their utility switches disinfectants. Others immediately detect a faint medicinal note, a subtle chemical aroma, or a taste reminiscent of lightly chlorinated pool water.
Personal sensitivity plays a role, but so does the water itself.
Local water chemistry varies from one community to another, and seasonal changes can also influence how drinking water tastes. Utilities occasionally make operational adjustments in response to changing source-water conditions, which may cause small differences that some people notice more readily than others.
Coffee and tea are good examples. Because these beverages rely almost entirely on the quality of the water used to prepare them, even slight changes in flavor can become more noticeable in the finished drink.
For many households, improving taste and odor, not concerns about the disinfectant itself, is the primary reason for considering a point-of-use filtration system.
What Do EPA Guidelines Say About Chloramine?
Chloramine is not a common contaminant that can be accidentally introduced into drinking water. It is a disinfectant intentionally added by many public water systems and regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under federal drinking water standards.
The EPA has established a Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) of 4.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L)—equivalent to 4 parts per million (ppm)—for chloramine in public drinking water systems.
Water utilities routinely monitor disinfectant levels as part of their treatment programs to help ensure they remain within these federal limits while maintaining water quality throughout the distribution system.
Understanding those standards also puts chloramine into context. Rather than appearing unexpectedly, it's part of a carefully managed treatment process that utilities monitor on an ongoing basis.
Why Some Households Choose to Reduce Chloramine
Meeting regulatory standards doesn't mean every homeowner has the same preferences.
For many people, the decision to reduce chloramine has little to do with regulations and much more to do with everyday experience. A glass of water, a morning cup of coffee, or a pot of soup all begin with the same ingredient, so even subtle differences in taste or aroma can become noticeable over time.
Some households are perfectly satisfied with their tap water as it comes from the faucet. Others prefer the flavor that filtered water provides.
Neither choice is right or wrong; it comes down to individual preference and how the water is used around the home.
How Can You Tell If Your Water Contains Chloramine?
The easiest answer usually isn't in your kitchen.
It's with your local water utility.
Most public water suppliers publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that summarizes information about the community's drinking water, including the disinfectant used during treatment. If chloramine is part of the process, it will typically be identified in the report.
Many utilities also make this information available on their websites, and customer service representatives can usually answer questions if you're unsure which disinfectant your community uses.
Reading the report can be worthwhile even if you're curious. In addition to identifying the disinfectant, it offers a broader picture of your local water system, including routine monitoring and treatment practices.
Situations Where Chloramine Requires Extra Attention
For most households, chloramine is simply another part of municipal drinking water treatment.
There are, however, a few situations where additional preparation is recommended.
Home Aquariums
Fish are much more sensitive to chloramine than people, which is why untreated tap water shouldn't be added directly to an aquarium.
Aquarium hobbyists typically use water conditioners specifically formulated to neutralize chloramine before introducing fresh tap water into a tank. It's a routine step that helps maintain an appropriate environment for freshwater and saltwater fish alike.
Home Dialysis
People receiving dialysis at home should always follow the recommendations provided by their healthcare team and the manufacturer of their dialysis equipment.
Dialysis systems are designed around precise water quality requirements, so any changes should be made only under professional guidance.
Specialized Industrial or Laboratory Uses
Certain laboratories and manufacturing processes also require water with specific chemical characteristics.
In those settings, treatment methods are selected according to the needs of the application rather than general household use.
Practical Ways to Reduce Chloramine at Home
If improving the taste and odor of your drinking water is one of your goals, there are several practical steps worth considering.
- Find out which disinfectant your utility uses. Your annual Consumer Confidence Report or local water provider can confirm whether your community uses chlorine or chloramine.
- Choose a filtration system designed to help address chloramine. There are several types of filtration technologies available, and their effectiveness depends on the filter type, system design, and regular maintenance. Check product details to choose one that suits your home's requirements.
- Replace filter elements according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Keeping filters on schedule helps maintain their intended performance over time.
- Stay informed about your local water system. Municipal treatment practices occasionally change, and your utility's annual report is one of the best ways to stay up to date.
Unlike free chlorine, chloramine isn't easily reduced by simply leaving water in a pitcher overnight or bringing it to a boil. Knowing just a little about the difference can help you determine your realistic expectations for your filtration method.
Berkey® Water Filters and Chloramine
If you're looking for a convenient way to improve the taste and odor of your drinking water, a countertop gravity-fed filtration system can be a practical addition to your kitchen.
When equipped with Black Berkey® Replacement Filters, Berkey® systems are designed to help address chloramine along with many other common contaminants found in drinking water. They're also designed to support better taste and odor, making them well suited to households that use filtered water throughout the day. This wording remains consistent with the approved Berkey content guidance.
Despite the variety of models available, the Big Berkey® Water Filter remains the most popular option for many homes, as it provides an efficient countertop-to-water-filter size ratio that fits typical daily drinking water requirements.
Choosing the Right Berkey® System
No two households use drinking water in quite the same way. Someone living alone may refill a water bottle a few times each day, while a larger family could be preparing meals, brewing coffee, filling reusable bottles, and keeping a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator, all before dinner.
That's why Berkey® offers countertop gravity-fed systems in several sizes. Rather than focusing solely on filtration capacity, consider how much water your household uses on a typical day and how much countertop space you have available.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every city use chloramine?
No. Water treatment methods vary across the country. Some municipalities continue using free chlorine, while others have adopted chloramine because it better suits their distribution system and operational needs.
Why would one city use chlorine while another uses chloramine?
There is no definite answer. When choosing a disinfectant, utilities consider the size of their distribution systems, local water chemistry, current infrastructure, and disinfection goals. Hence, neighboring communities might have different methods.
Why did my tap water suddenly taste different?
A noticeable change doesn't always mean something is wrong. Seasonal variations in source water, operational adjustments made by the utility, or a change in disinfectants can all influence the taste or odor of tap water.
Can I remove chloramine by letting water sit overnight?
No. Chloramine is considerably more stable than free chlorine, so simply leaving water in a pitcher or glass generally doesn't reduce it.
Is boiling an effective way to reduce chloramine?
Boiling is not typically an effective method. Homeowners interested in reducing chloramine generally look for filtration systems designed to help address it.
Where can I confirm which disinfectant my utility uses?
The first place to look is likely your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). If you still have questions, it is best to contact your local water provider first to find out about the treatment method used in your community.
Why is chloramine important for aquarium owners?
Fish are much more sensitive to chloramine than people. Before adding tap water to an aquarium, hobbyists should use a water conditioner specifically formulated to neutralize chloramine.
When should Black Berkey® Replacement Filters be replaced?
This varies with water use and manufacturer's instructions. To optimize your system's operation, perform maintenance as suggested in the maintenance schedule.
Final Thoughts
Understanding why your local utility uses chloramine can make it easier to interpret changes in taste, odor, or water treatment practices.
If you'd like to improve the taste and odor of your drinking water, a countertop filtration system designed to help address chloramine may be worth considering. Just as importantly, reviewing your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report can help you better understand how your community's drinking water is treated and make more informed decisions about the water you use every day.