Chlorine is added to public water supplies as a disinfectant to kill or inactivate harmful microorganisms that can cause illness. And while chlorine serves an essential purpose in regards to public health, it can also affect the taste, color, and pH Balance of your water. If you prefer to not have this chemical in your drinking water or household water, you need to know which water filters remove chlorine.
Before we get into the specifics of which water filters remove chlorine, let’s first dive into why you’d want to remove it in the first place.
Why You Don’t Want Chlorine in Your Water
Here are a few of the most common reasons people want to remove chlorine from their water:
- Taste and Odor. Chlorine can impart an unpleasant taste and odor to your tap water. Some people describe it as having a chemical or medicinal taste, making water less enjoyable to drink.
- Dry Skin and Hair. Chlorinated water can strip your skin and hair of natural oils, leaving them dry and brittle. If you have sensitive skin, this can lead to irritation and discomfort
- Respiratory Issues. Chlorine can vaporize in hot water and steam, potentially irritating the respiratory system when you shower or bathe. This can be particularly problematic for individuals with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
- Toxic Byproducts. The disinfection process involving chlorine can lead to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes. Prolonged exposure to high levels of DBPs may have health implications, so reducing chlorine exposure is recommended.
How to Tell If You Have Chlorine in Your Water
You can determine if you have chlorine in your water through a few simple methods, including:
- Smell — Chlorine often imparts a distinctive bleach-like smell to water. If you detect this odor when you turn on the tap, it’s a strong indicator of chlorine presence.
- Taste — If you notice an unusual taste in your tap water, it could be due to chlorine. Chlorinated water can have a slightly chemical or medicinal taste.
- Water Quality Report — Water utilities are required to provide an annual water quality report that details the presence of various contaminants, including chlorine. You can request this report from your local utility or check their website.
- Home Water Test — In-home water tests can help you identify the specific contaminants in your water, including chlorine.
Which Water Filters Remove Chlorine?
There are several types of water filters that can remove chlorine from your water.
- Activated Carbon Filters. These filters are highly efficient at removing chlorine, as well as the associated taste and odor. You can find activated carbon filters in various forms, such as faucet-mounted filters, countertop filters, under-sink filters, and whole house filtration systems
- Reverse Osmosis Systems. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are known for their thorough filtration capabilities. They can effectively remove chlorine, as well as a wide range of other contaminants, providing you with pure, clean drinking water.
- Water Refiners. Water refiners remove the chlorine taste and smell from city water, as well as extra sediment and minerals that cause water “hardness.” EcoWater water refiners use a special coconut shell carbon filter to eliminate the chlorine from your home’s water.
- Whole House Filtration Systems. Whole house water filtration systems are installed at the point where your water enters your home. They can remove chlorine from all the water used in your household, including that which you shower with and use for laundry
Take Action: Contact Us for a Free In-Home Water Test
The best way to determine the presence of chlorine in your water and the most suitable filtration solution for your needs is to schedule a free in-home water test with us.
Our water quality experts will assess the quality of your tap water, identify any contaminants, and provide personalized recommendations to ensure clean and safe water for your household.
Don’t let chlorine affect the taste, smell, and quality of your water. Take control of your water quality and enjoy the benefits of chlorine-free water. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home water test and begin the journey to better water quality and peace of mind.
Click here to schedule a free in-home water test, courtesy of EcoWater of Central California.
In the meantime, to learn more about Home Water Filtration Systems, check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page.