Chloramine
A disinfectant made from chlorine and ammonia, used as an alternative to chlorine. Lasts longer in the distribution system.
Source
Intentionally added during water treatment as a long-lasting disinfectant.
Health Risk
Safe at regulated levels. Produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, but can be harmful to fish and dialysis patients.
Filter Tip
Catalytic carbon filters or reverse osmosis can remove chloramine. Standard carbon filters are less effective.
Chloramine is a disinfectant made by combining chlorine with ammonia. It is used by about 1 in 5 US water utilities as an alternative to chlorine because it lasts longer in the distribution system and produces fewer disinfection byproducts (like TTHMs and HAA5).
The EPA's Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) for chloramine is 4 parts per million (ppm), measured as chlorine. Most utilities maintain levels between 1-4 ppm.
Is Chloramine Safe?
For most people, chloramine-treated water is safe to drink. However, specific groups should be aware:
- Fish owners: Chloramine is toxic to fish. Unlike chlorine, it does not dissipate by sitting out. You need a specialized dechlorinating product for aquariums.
- Dialysis patients: Chloramine must be removed from water used in dialysis machines — it can enter the bloodstream directly.
- Homebrew and baking: Chloramine can affect fermentation and yeast activity
- Some people report skin and respiratory irritation from chloramine in shower water
Chloramine vs. Chlorine
Chloramine produces fewer disinfection byproducts than chlorine, lasts longer in pipes (better for large distribution systems), and has a less noticeable taste and odor. However, it is harder to remove with standard filters, can increase lead leaching from pipes (as seen in the Washington, DC lead crisis of 2001-2004), and is toxic to fish and amphibians.
How to Remove Chloramine
- Catalytic Carbon Filters: Specifically designed for chloramine — much more effective than standard carbon
- Reverse Osmosis: Effectively removes chloramine
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Filters: Effective for shower heads
Important: Standard activated carbon filters have limited effectiveness against chloramine. You need catalytic carbon or a longer contact time.
Chloramine Levels in US Cities
Based on verified municipal water quality reports (Consumer Confidence Reports) from 3 cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does chloramine evaporate from water like chlorine?
No. Unlike chlorine, chloramine does not readily evaporate from water by sitting out or boiling. It is much more stable, which is why utilities use it — but it also means you need a filter to remove it.
Is chloramine worse than chlorine?
Neither is inherently worse. Chloramine produces fewer cancer-causing byproducts than chlorine, but it is harder to remove, can increase lead leaching, and is toxic to fish. The choice depends on the utility's distribution system needs.
Does a Brita filter remove chloramine?
Standard Brita filters have limited effectiveness against chloramine. The Brita Longlast filter claims some chloramine reduction, but for thorough removal, use a catalytic carbon filter or reverse osmosis system.
Related Contaminants
Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
A group of five chemicals that form as byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water.
Lead
A toxic heavy metal that typically enters drinking water through corroding pipes, faucets, and solder — not from the water source itself.