Tampa Bay Water switched from free chlorine to chloramines as its primary disinfectant. While chloramines are effective at keeping water safe during distribution, they present unique challenges for homeowners that standard filters are not designed to handle.
What Are Chloramines?
Chloramines are formed when chlorine is combined with ammonia. They are more stable than free chlorine, meaning they last longer in the distribution system without forming as many disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes. However, they are significantly harder to remove from water at home.
Why Standard Carbon Filters Fall Short
A standard activated carbon filter will reduce free chlorine effectively but barely touches chloramines. Removing chloramines requires either a catalytic carbon filter, a reverse osmosis system, or an extended contact time with high-quality carbon media. Many homeowners with standard pitcher or faucet filters are still drinking chloraminated water.
Health Considerations
Research on chloramine health effects is ongoing. Chloramines can irritate airways in sensitive individuals, and they react with organic matter to form iodoacids, which some studies suggest may be more genotoxic than chlorine byproducts. For most healthy adults the risk is low, but for dialysis patients, chloramines must be removed from water used in treatment.
What Actually Works
Catalytic carbon whole house filtration is the most effective solution for chloramine removal at the tap and throughout your home. Reverse osmosis at the kitchen tap provides an additional layer of protection for drinking and cooking water. Pure Viva installs both technologies and can test your specific water to recommend the right approach.