Does Your Water
Taste Like Chlorine?
Does Your Water
Taste Like Chlorine?
Family Owned &
Operated
50+
Years in Business
Signs of Chlorine in Your Tap Water
Does your water taste like a pool? Do you live in a town or city? Your water is probably chlorinated. Chlorine is used to treat water by killing bacteria and other pathogens. In the right proportions, it’s highly effective at keeping communities healthy and safe. However, chlorinated water doesn’t taste great, and bathing in it can dry out your skin and hair.
Chlorinated Water, Explained
Chlorine is one of the most commonly used chemicals for treating water. It’s highly effective at inactivating bacteria and other microorganisms in water, and as a result, the vast majority of public water systems in the United States are treated with chlorine or chloramine. The concentration of chlorine found in public drinking water is safe to consume, but some people find that it has an unpleasant taste or odor.
What Damage Can Chlorine in Your Water Cause?
Drinking Water
Hair & Skin
Appliances
Treating Chlorine Taste & Odor
You can still enjoy the benefits of chlorine-treated water without the unpleasant taste and smell. Certain systems and filters can eliminate chlorine and chloramine once water reaches your home, while further purifying it to ensure that your home’s water supply is the best it can be.
What Your Neighbors Are Saying
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chlorine in tap water safe to drink?
For many homeowners, the concern is not safety but water quality. Chlorine can leave behind a noticeable taste and odor that makes drinking water less appealing, which is why many people choose to filter it out.
What’s the difference between chlorine and chloramine, and does it matter for treatment?
Chlorine dissipates more quickly and is easier to remove with standard carbon filters. Chloramine, which is formed by combining chlorine with ammonia, is more stable and stays in the water longer as it moves through the distribution system. Because of this, it’s more difficult to remove and requires specialized filtration.
If your water has a persistent chemical taste or odor that does not go away with basic filtration, chloramine is often the cause. Knowing which disinfectant your local utility uses is an important first step in selecting the right solution.
Will a Brita or similar filter remove chlorine?
Faucet filters treat water at only a single tap, leaving shower water and ice maker water untreated. For more consistent and complete chlorine reduction throughout the home, a point-of-entry filtration system is a more reliable long-term option.
How soon should I address chlorine if I can taste or smell it in my water?
In many cases, chlorine is a straightforward issue to correct with the right filtration system. A water test and treatment recommendation can help determine whether a basic filter is enough or if a whole-home solution makes more sense.
Are there any long-term health concerns associated with chlorinated water?
Trihalomethanes, or THMs, are one of the most common byproducts and have been studied for potential health effects when exposure is elevated over long periods. Municipal water systems are required to monitor and limit these compounds. For homeowners who want an added layer of protection, a quality filtration system can help reduce both chlorine and associated byproducts before the water reaches your tap.
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When you need water conditioning services, trust Martin Water. For your no-obligation water analysis or for more information about our premium products, industry-leading warranties, and reliable service, contact us today!
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