Chloramines are widely used by public water systems as a disinfectant to keep drinking water safe from harmful bacteria and viruses. While chloramines are considered safe at regulated levels, many homeowners notice an unusual taste or odor, have concerns about sensitive uses such as aquariums or dialysis, or simply want to remove them from their drinking water. Understanding what chloramines are—and how to filter them effectively—can help you choose the right water treatment solution.
Unlike chlorine, chloramines remain stable in water for much longer. This longer-lasting disinfectant protection helps maintain water quality as it travels through miles of underground pipes before reaching your tap. Today, more than one in five Americans receive drinking water treated with chloramines.
This guide explains what chloramines are, potential health considerations, EPA regulations, how to test for them, and the most effective filtration methods available.
Want to learn about other contaminants commonly found in drinking water?
➡️ Drinking Water Contaminants Explained
What Are Chloramines?
Chloramines are disinfectants created when a controlled amount of ammonia is added to chlorine during the water treatment process. The most common form used by public water systems is monochloramine.
Water utilities use chloramines because they:
- Continue disinfecting water as it travels through the distribution system
- Produce fewer regulated disinfection byproducts than chlorine alone
- Help maintain water quality over long distances
- Improve compliance with federal drinking water regulations in many systems
Why Are Chloramines Used Instead of Chlorine?
Many municipalities have switched from chlorine to chloramines as a secondary disinfectant.
Compared with chlorine, chloramines:
- Last longer in water
- Dissipate more slowly
- Help reduce the formation of regulated trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs)
- Provide a more stable disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system
Because chloramines are more chemically stable, they can also be more difficult for standard household filters to remove.
Are Chloramines Safe?
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), drinking water treated with chloramines that meets federal regulatory standards is considered safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other household uses.
However, chloramines can present special concerns for:
- Hemodialysis patients, because chloramines can enter the bloodstream during dialysis if not removed.
- Aquariums, since chloramines are toxic to fish and amphibians unless treated with a suitable water conditioner.
- Individuals who dislike the taste or odor of chloraminated water.
Health Risks of Chloramines
For the general population, chloramines at EPA-regulated levels are not expected to cause adverse health effects.
The EPA’s drinking water regulations identify possible effects from exposure above allowable limits as including:
- Eye irritation
- Nose irritation
- Stomach discomfort
- Anemia (with prolonged exposure above regulatory limits)
Unlike chlorine, chloramines do not readily evaporate from water, making them more persistent in household plumbing.
EPA Guidelines for Chloramines
The EPA regulates chloramines under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Current limits are:
- Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): 4.0 mg/L
- Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): 4.0 mg/L (measured as chlorine)
Public water systems routinely monitor disinfectant residuals to ensure water remains microbiologically safe while staying within these limits.
How to Test for Chloramines
Chloramines are invisible and generally cannot be identified by appearance alone.
Review Your Consumer Confidence Report
Your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) may indicate whether your utility disinfects with chlorine or chloramines.
Home Test Kits
Specialized drinking water test kits are available that measure:
- Free chlorine
- Total chlorine
- Chloramine residuals
These tests are useful when evaluating water quality or checking filter performance.
Laboratory Water Testing
Certified laboratories can provide comprehensive drinking water analyses, including disinfectants and other regulated contaminants.
Best Filtration Methods for Chloramines
Because chloramines are more stable than chlorine, they require different treatment methods.
1. Catalytic Activated Carbon (Best for Chloramine Reduction)
Catalytic activated carbon is specifically engineered to break down chloramines more effectively than standard activated carbon.
Benefits include:
- Excellent chloramine reduction
- Improved taste and odor
- No electricity required
- Available in under-sink and whole-house systems
2. Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems that include high-quality carbon pre-filters can significantly reduce chloramines while also removing many additional contaminants.
Reverse osmosis also helps reduce:
- Lead
- PFAS
- Fluoride
- Arsenic
- Chromium
- Nitrates
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
For homeowners seeking comprehensive drinking water treatment, reverse osmosis remains one of the best overall solutions.
3. Whole-House Catalytic Carbon Systems
If your goal is chloramine reduction throughout the entire home—including showers, bathrooms, and laundry—a whole-house catalytic carbon system is an excellent option.
Recommended Products
Best Overall
This NSF-certified reverse osmosis system includes multi-stage filtration designed to reduce chloramine, lead, fluoride, PFAS, and many other common contaminants.
A WQA-certified system known for excellent contaminant reduction, long-term reliability, and outstanding value.
A premium tankless RO system offering fast water production, compact installation, and advanced multi-stage filtration.
Can Boiling Water Remove Chloramines?
No.
Unlike free chlorine, chloramines are chemically stable and do not readily evaporate during boiling. Boiling water is not considered an effective method for chloramine removal.
Activated catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis systems are much more effective long-term solutions.
How to Reduce Chloramine Exposure
If your home receives chloraminated water:
- Confirm your utility’s disinfectant using your Consumer Confidence Report.
- Install a catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis filtration system.
- Replace filters according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
- If you maintain an aquarium or use home dialysis equipment, follow the specialized treatment recommendations for those applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all cities use chloramines?
No. Some water systems use free chlorine, while others use chloramines as their secondary disinfectant. Your local water utility can tell you which method is used.
Does reverse osmosis remove chloramines?
Yes. Reverse osmosis systems equipped with appropriate carbon pre-filtration can significantly reduce chloramines while also reducing many other drinking water contaminants.
Can a regular carbon filter remove chloramines?
Some standard activated carbon filters reduce chloramines only modestly. Filters using catalytic activated carbon are generally much more effective.
Are chloramines safe for fish?
No. Chloramines are toxic to fish and aquatic animals. Aquarium owners should always treat tap water with a suitable water conditioner before adding it to a tank.
Final Thoughts
Chloramines play an important role in protecting public drinking water by providing long-lasting disinfection throughout municipal distribution systems. Although water that meets EPA standards is considered safe for household use, many homeowners choose to reduce chloramines to improve taste and odor or because they have specialized needs such as aquariums or home dialysis.
For most households, a reverse osmosis system with high-quality carbon pre-filtration or a catalytic carbon filtration system provides the most effective chloramine reduction while also improving overall drinking water quality.
To learn more about chloramines and dozens of other drinking water contaminants, visit our complete contaminant resource:
