How to Remove Chlorine From Drinking Water

As an RO systems provider, we know a lot about water—as well as chemicals commonly found in it. In this post, we're going to go over chlorine and how you can remove it from your water.

Chlorine is a chemical element that is most commonly used as a powerful and inexpensive disinfectant. As a child, you likely first became aware of chlorine when you went swimming in a pool and experienced the signature smell and sting firsthand.

Why Is Chlorine in My Water?

Chlorine has been used for over a century in public drinking water as a disinfectant to remove organic contaminants like bacteria and viruses. Chlorine is effective at protecting us from outbreaks of waterborne illness and from pathogens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Because of chlorine treatment, our water supplies, on paper, are among the cleanest in the world. However, recent studies have shown that this chemical can cause harm when left in our water. Many homeowners are now removing chlorine from their drinking water as it enters the home.

Chlorine Health Effects

While chlorine does sanitize your water it can also put you at risk for major health problems. Separate studies have found a link between drinking water with high levels of chlorine and developing bladder and colorectal cancer.

Chlorine can interact with organic matter in your water supply and form disinfection by-products, the most dangerous being trihalomethanes (THMs). THMs can increase your risk for several issues: one study found that women who drink water with elevated levels of THMs have a higher risk for miscarriage. Exposure to THMs can also cause nervous system damage, especially if chlorine is inhaled while you are taking a shower.

We know you might be wondering, “Wait — I can inhale chlorine in the shower?” The frightening answer is “yes.” The negative effects of chlorine are actually worse when you inhale the chemical or if you absorb it through your skin. This is why chlorine gas has been historically used in chemical warfare, and its use is very restricted.

 Other Issues With Chlorine

In addition to health problems, chlorine can cause unwanted effects on your hair and skin. Showering in water with significant levels of chlorine your skin can become flaky, dry, and irritated. If you have delicate skin it is more likely that chlorinated water will have a noticeable effect on your skin, potentially causing it to turn red when touched. Think of how your skin reacts when you swim often, and now imagine that this is happening in your shower every day!

Chlorine can also have drying effects on your hair, which will make it appear frizzy and dull. Chlorinated shower water and can even fade color treatments. Chlorine washes away the natural proteins and oils that protect your hair and skin, leaving them exposed and irritated.

Chlorine also has a “bleach-like” odor that many people find unpleasant. Removing chlorine from your water at home will prevent issues like skin irritation, remove unwanted odors from your water, and protect your family from possible health problems.

How to Remove Chlorine From Water

The most convenient solution to remove chlorine from drinking water as it enters your home is to install a whole house water filter system that reduces common nuisance chemicals like chlorine at rates exceeding 99%.

The carbon filter that exists in our water filter systems and many others on the market is able to reduce chlorine while also filtering many other contaminants like organic chemicals, pesticides, and sediment.

Best Chlorine Water Filter for Drinking

While a whole house water filter system will reduce many contaminants, including chlorine, from your water, many homeowners want the most comprehensive filters for their drinking water in the kitchen. Installing a state-of-the-art RO system under your kitchen sink delivers some of the cleanest water on Earth, removing up to 99% of more than 108 contaminants. In addition to chlorine, you will also filter lead, fluoride, and heavy metals.

The best part? According to one of our customers, our reverse osmosis system is “so simple a child could install it.” Learn how to install a reverse osmosis system and connect your family with simply pure water today.