We all know our city water is treated with chlorine, but a growing number of municipalities are now using a different disinfectant called chloramine. While they sound similar, they are chemically different and require different approaches to filtration. Understanding which one is in your water is key to choosing a filter that truly works.
What is Chlorine?
Chlorine is a fast-acting, powerful disinfectant that has been used for over a century to kill bacteria and viruses in water supplies. It’s very effective but also highly volatile, meaning it can dissipate from water relatively quickly. The best water filters (like those with KDF-55 and calcium sulfite) are very effective at removing chlorine.
What is Chloramine?
Chloramine is a more stable compound made by mixing chlorine with ammonia. Because it’s more stable, it stays in the water system longer, providing disinfectant protection all the way to your tap. However, this also makes it more difficult to remove than chlorine.
Conclusion
The first step to pure water is knowing what you’re up against. Contact your local water utility to find out if they use chlorine or chloramine, and then choose a certified filter with the right media to ensure the water you drink and shower in is as pure as possible.
