Why Is Chlorine Added to City Water?
Chlorine has been used in public water systems for over a century. Its main job? Kill harmful microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites before water reaches your tap. Thanks to chlorination, cities drastically reduced outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and other waterborne diseases in the early 1900s.
Today, nearly all U.S. municipal systems still rely on chlorine or chlorine-based compounds to keep water safe during distribution.
Is Chlorine in Tap Water Safe?
According to the EPA, up to 4 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine in drinking water is considered safe. But “safe” doesn’t mean symptom-free.
Some people experience:
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Dry skin or eye irritation
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Worsened eczema or sensitivities
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Bad taste or odor in drinking water
There’s also concern about disinfection byproducts, such as:
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THMs (trihalomethanes)
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HAAs (haloacetic acids)
These byproducts form when chlorine reacts with organic matter and may carry long-term health risks, including potential carcinogenic effects. (Learn more at the CDC website.)
How to Test Chlorine Levels at Home
Before installing a filter, know what you're working with. You can test the tap water with:
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Chlorine Test Strips: Quick and simple for routine checks.
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Chlorine Reagent Kits: More accurate results for both free and total chlorine.
Most homes fall between 0.2 and 2 ppm. If your level nears the 4 ppm limit, consider chlorine filtration.
Common Problems with Chlorinated Water
Even at EPA-approved levels, chlorine can cause:
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Bad Taste & Odor: A “pool-like” flavor in drinking and cooking water.
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Skin & Eye Irritation: Especially in sensitive individuals.
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Hair & Appliance Damage: Chlorine dries out hair and wears down rubber seals.
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Byproduct Risks: THMs and HAAs may pose health risks with long-term exposure.
How to Remove Chlorine from City Water
Here are some ways to reduce or remove chlorine:
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Evaporation: Let water sit uncovered for 24 hours. Effective for free chlorine only.
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Boiling: Removes chlorine, but not chloramine. Not practical for daily
