Chloramine Water Filters

Chloramine disinfection in drinking water history

Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia that is used as a disinfectant in public water supplies. Since 1912, public water supplies have used chlorine to eliminate water borne illnesses like typhoid and diphtheria. Called one of the greatest achievements for mankind, chlorinating public water has all but eliminated these types of illnesses in the US. Over years of usage, some problems have been uncovered with the chlorination process. In particular, the US EPA discovered that disinfection by-products (DBPs) were being created by chlorination and were posing a health risk to consumers. The primary DBP of concern is trihalomethanes or THMs, a known carcinogen that has been associated with bladder and rectal cancer.

To reduce the formation of these DBPs, water suppliers began to add ammonia to the chlorine creating chloramine disinfection . Today, roughly 25% of public water suppliers across the country utilize chloramine for their drinking water treatment and disinfection process. Chloramine in water reduces the formation of DBPs, and provides a longer lasting disinfection that is easier to maintain throughout the distribution system. As the US EPA places stronger regulations on DBPs, more water suppliers will ultimately move towards using chloramine for disinfection.

US Map of Chlormines Used as Water Disinfectant by State

Nationwide water systems that switched to chloramine in 2010 increased 37 percent compared to 2007. Texas, with the most significant change, showed a 54-percent increase in 2010 compared to 2007, followed by Florida with a 43-percent increase and California with a 20-percent increase. An analysis of US EPA’s data in 2010, the number of water systems.

Harmful and potential chloramine side effects

On the negative side, chloramine usage has had some issues and potential side effects. Chloramine can adversely affect the taste and odor of any beverage mixed with water like coffee, tea, juice and especially carbonated drinks from a soda fountain. Chloramine in water may cause fish to die, because fish take water directly into their bloodstream. Dialysis patients need to use non-chloraminated water because water comes into direct contact with the bloodstream, and chloramines (like chlorine) are damaging to blood.

Chloramine can also impact breweries and bakeries as yeast and enzymes may not survive. To some, chloramine side effects can be especially harmful. Reports indicate that people with chemical sensitivities are at risk in water supplies using chloramination, especially those who have immune system deficiencies. To this percentage of the population, chloramine removal is crucial.

News Report About Health Effects Chloramines in Water