How to Effectively Remove Chlorine from Your Water
Chlorine isn’t just found in swimming pools—it’s also commonly used in municipal water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens. While it serves an important purpose, excess chlorine can impact the taste and smell of your water and may pose potential health risks with prolonged exposure.
If you're concerned about chlorine in your drinking water, this guide will cover the dangers of chlorine overexposure and the best methods for removing it from your home’s water supply.
The Risks of Chlorine in Drinking Water
Chlorine is added to municipal water supplies as a disinfectant, but it doesn’t differentiate between harmful bacteria and the good bacteria in your gut. Over time, excessive chlorine exposure may contribute to:
Unpleasant Taste & Odour – Chlorine leaves water with a strong chemical smell and taste.
Digestive Issues – Kills beneficial gut bacteria, potentially leading to digestive imbalances.
Respiratory Irritation – Chlorine vapours, especially in hot showers, can trigger asthma and allergies.
Potential Long-Term Health Risks – Studies suggest links between high chlorine consumption and increased risks of bladder cancer, birth defects, and food allergies.
While small amounts of chlorine in water are safe—the EPA allows up to 4 mg/L—many homeowners prefer to reduce or eliminate chlorine for better taste, health, and overall water quality.
Best Methods for Removing Chlorine from Water
If you want to improve your water quality and reduce chlorine exposure, here are the most effective methods:
1. Install a Whole-Home Water Filtration System
A charcoal-based water filtration system is one of the best ways to remove chlorine from your home’s water supply. These systems use activated carbon to absorb chlorine and other contaminants, providing clean, great-tasting water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.
For homeowners looking for a budget-friendly option, water filter pitchers with carbon filters can also help reduce chlorine levels in drinking water.
2. Reverse Osmosis Filtration
A reverse osmosis (RO) system forces water through a semi-permeable membrane, filtering out chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities. This method is highly effective, but it requires regular filter maintenance to prevent bacterial buildup in the system.
3. Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters—especially those certified by NSF International—are excellent for removing both chlorine and chloramine. Whole-house carbon filtration systems provide long-term chlorine removal, improving water quality throughout your home.
4. Boiling Water
A simple and cost-effective method, boiling water for 15 minutes allows chlorine to evaporate naturally. While this works well for small batches, it’s not practical for daily household use.
5. Showerhead & Faucet Filters
Chlorine doesn’t just affect your drinking water—it can also irritate skin and hair when showering. A showerhead filter reduces chlorine exposure by filtering water at the source, providing relief from dryness and irritation. Did you know we give away FREE water-purifying shower heads? Claim yours here.
Get Cleaner, Healthier Water with Georgian Water & Air
If you're looking for an effective solution to reduce chlorine in your water, Georgian Water & Air offers high-quality filtration systems tailored to your home’s needs. Our systems provide safe, great-tasting water for your home, cottage, or business, backed by a 25-year product warranty and free installation.
Contact us today to learn more about our chlorine removal solutions!