What You Should Know About Chlorine in City Water — and How to Remove It
Why Is Chlorine Added to City Water?
Chlorine has been used in municipal water treatment for over a century as a powerful disinfectant. Its main purpose is to eliminate harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites before the water reaches your tap. This practice has played a pivotal role in reducing waterborne illnesses across the U.S.
By the early 1900s, cities began chlorinating water supplies to combat deadly outbreaks like cholera and typhoid. Today, nearly all U.S. public water systems rely on chlorine or a chlorine-based compound to maintain water safety as it travels through pipes to homes and businesses.
Is Chlorine in Tap Water Safe?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maximum allowable level of chlorine in drinking water is 4 parts per million (ppm). At or below this level, chlorine is considered safe for consumption. However, safety guidelines don't necessarily account for sensitive individuals or the cumulative effects of long-term exposure.
For many, chlorine in tap water can cause noticeable issues. Some people report dry skin, eye irritation, or worsened conditions like eczema.
There’s also concern about disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which form when chlorine interacts with organic matter in water.
These byproducts have been studied for their potential carcinogenic effects. More information is available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How to Test Chlorine Levels at Home
Before selecting a chlorine filtration system, it’s important to know how much chlorine is present in your water. Two types of chlorine may be found in tap water: free chlorine (available for disinfection) and combined chlorine (chloramine or other compounds).
You can easily test chlorine levels using:
- Chlorine Test Strips: Dip-and-read test strips offer quick insight and are ideal for routine checks.
- Chlorine Reagent Test Kits: These devices provide more accurate readings of both free and total chlorine for more precise evaluation.
Most residential water falls between 0.2 and 2 ppm. If levels are closer to the EPA's 4 ppm limit, a chlorine reduction system is strongly recommended.
Common Problems with Chlorinated Tap Water
Even at “safe” levels, chlorine can cause multiple issues in daily use. Here are the most common complaints homeowners face:
- Bad Taste and Odor: Chlorine can give water a chemical or swimming pool-like smell and flavor, making it unpleasant for drinking and cooking.
- Skin and Eye Irritation: Sensitive individuals may experience dryness, redness, or itching after bathing or washing hands with chlorinated water.
- Damage to Hair and Appliances: Chlorine can dry out hair and degrade rubber seals in appliances, leading to maintenance issues.
- Disinfection Byproducts: Long-term exposure to THMs and HAAs has raised health concerns and prompted many households to seek filtration options.
These challenges make removing chlorine from city water not only a matter of taste, but one of overall wellness and equipment longevity.
How to Remove Chlorine from City Water (Overview)
There are several ways to remove chlorine from your tap water. Some are simple DIY approaches, while others involve professionally installed filtration systems. The best method depends on your household’s chlorine level, water usage, and personal health needs.
- Evaporation: Letting water sit uncovered for 24 hours allows chlorine to naturally dissipate. This is effective only for free chlorine and not practical for use in the home or business.
- Boiling: Boiling water for 15–20 minutes removes most chlorine but not chloramine. It also concentrates minerals and isn’t suitable for everyday drinking or cooking water.
- Sunlight Exposure: UV light helps break down chlorine. Leaving water in a clear container outside can accelerate this, but again, it does not remove chloramine.
- Activated Carbon Filtration: The most effective and widely used method for removing chlorine and its byproducts. This method is recommended for long-term home use.
Filtration Technologies That Work
To remove chlorine effectively and consistently from your city water supply, you’ll want to invest in a system using proven filtration technology:
- Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): GAC filters adsorb chlorine molecules, removing them from the water as it flows through. They are highly effective for improving taste and reducing odor.
- Catalytic Carbon: An enhanced version of GAC, catalytic carbon can also reduce chloramines, making it ideal for municipalities that use this more stable disinfectant.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Though primarily designed for dissolved solids, many RO systems incorporate carbon pre-filters specifically for chlorine reduction.
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Some shower filters use Vitamin C to neutralize chlorine, but lowers the pH which makes the water acidic.
It’s important to match the technology to your specific water quality, especially if your city uses chloramine instead of chlorine.
Comparing Chlorine Removal Systems from Clean Water Store
At Clean Water Store, we offer several premium-grade systems designed to target chlorine and its byproducts at the point of entry. Here’s a comparison of four popular system types:
7500 Series Carbon Backwash Filter
The 7500 Backwash Filter features a fully automatic valve that backwashes the media on a preset schedule, flushing out sediment and refreshing the carbon. It’s best for households with 1–3 bathrooms that want powerful, low-maintenance whole-house filtration. For example, the REV25 1.5 CF model provides excellent chlorine removal and strong flow rates.
Manual Backwash Carbon Filter
The Manual Backwash Filter is ideal for off-grid living or those seeking a power-free system. You control the backwash process by turning a valve, giving you full maintenance control. The Manual 1.5 CF 10×54 version is popular for its durability and performance.
Upflow Carbon Filter
The Upflow Carbon Filter is a great solution for those who want zero water waste and don’t have a drain line available. Water enters from the bottom of the tank and rises through the carbon media, maximizing contact time and removing chlorine efficiently without the need for backwashing or power.
One of the top choices is the Upflow 1.5 CF model — perfect for small to mid-size homes. It’s a “set-it-and-forget-it” system that saves water and offers long media life with low maintenance requirements.
Whole House Carbon Cartridge Filters
For smaller households or those seeking a budget-friendly entry point, Whole House Cartridge Filters are a compact and effective choice. These systems are easy to install and use, with replaceable filter cartridges filled with granular activated carbon (GAC).
While not as high-capacity as tank-based systems, cartridge filters are well-suited for single-bathroom homes or as supplementary filtration to remove residual chlorine taste and odor.
Choosing the Right Chlorine Filter for Your Home
Every home is different, and the right filter depends on several key factors:
- Water Usage: Higher flow homes (2+ bathrooms) benefit from the 7500 Backwash Filter for its capacity and automation.
- Drain Access: No floor drain? The Upflow Filter is an excellent choice that requires no backwash or wastewater line.
- Power Availability: For off-grid or emergency use, the Manual Backwash Filter provides chlorine protection without relying on electricity.
- Budget: Cartridge filters are the most economical upfront, while tank systems offer long-term value and fewer replacements.
Environmental Impact of Chlorinated Water
While chlorine protects against pathogens, its presence in wastewater can harm aquatic ecosystems. Runoff containing chlorine and disinfection byproducts like THMs can disrupt fish reproduction, damage algae populations, and alter water chemistry in natural habitats.
By using a whole-house carbon filtration system — especially those with no backwash like upflow filters — you can reduce chlorine exposure at the source and avoid releasing it back into the environment. Choosing eco-conscious systems also reduces reliance on bottled water, minimizing plastic waste and carbon emissions.
Trusted Resources & Industry Standards
For more information about safe chlorine levels and disinfection byproducts, consult these trusted sources:
These government and industry sites provide reliable, evidence-based insights into municipal water safety and filtration standards.
Conclusion
Chlorine plays an essential role in municipal water safety, but it doesn't have to affect your water's taste, odor, or your well-being. With the right filtration system, you can enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water throughout your home, without harsh chemicals or uncertainty about what you're consuming or bathing in.
Whether you need a powerful automatic system like the 7500 Backwash Filter, a manual off-grid option, or a compact cartridge filter, Clean Water Store offers tested, reliable solutions for every household. Investing in a chlorine removal filter enhances your daily health and gives peace of mind that your family is drinking and using safe, chemical-free water.
Explore all our chlorine filter options or speak with a water specialist today to find the best fit for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is chlorine added to city water?
Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and viruses before the water reaches your home.
2. How do I know how much chlorine is in my tap water?
You can test it using chlorine test strips or digital meters that detect free and total chlorine levels.
3. Is drinking chlorinated water harmful?
In regulated amounts (under 4 ppm), it's considered safe by the EPA, though long-term exposure and sensitivity vary by individual.
4. What’s the best filter to remove chlorine?
Granular activated carbon (GAC) or catalytic carbon filters, such as the 7500 Backwash Filter, are highly effective.
5. Can I install a chlorine removal filter myself?
Some systems, like cartridge and upflow filters, are DIY-friendly, but whole-house systems may benefit from professional installation.
6. Do shower filters remove chlorine?
Yes, certain shower filters — especially those using activated carbon or vitamin C — can help reduce skin irritation from chlorine.
7. Are cartridge filters effective for whole-house use?
They work best for small homes or as supplemental filtration, but may require frequent replacement in larger households.
8. Does boiling water remove chlorine?
Yes, boiling can remove chlorine (not chloramine), but it's inefficient for everyday use.
9. What is the difference between chlorine and chloramine?
Chloramine is a more stable disinfectant made by combining chlorine with ammonia and requires catalytic carbon for effective removal.
10. How often should I replace my carbon filter?
It depends on the system and water usage. Cartridge filters may need replacing every 3–6 months, while tank systems can last years with proper maintenance.
