Chlorine & Chloramine in our water continued …

Chlorine is widely used by towns as a water disinfectant because of its low cost and effectiveness. When chlorine is added to water a process of oxidation begins and this results in the creation of a weak acid that attacks bacteria.

Chlorine has a few drawbacks, the biggest being the creation of Trihalomethanes as a result of disinfecting the water. Exposure to Chlorine can cause dry, itchy and flaky skin and can cause hair color to fade faster, if you dye your hair. Trihalomethanes, THMs, are regulated by the EPA, and have been associated with negative health effects such as cancers and adverse reproductive outcomes. When water is heated such as when showering these THMs enter the body through the skin and lungs.

Chloramine is also widely used by towns at water treatment plants. It is a weaker chemical than chlorine and remains in the water longer. Chloramine is an effective disinfectant but it has the drawbacks of being skin irritants and it has corrosive properties. Aggravated skin conditions are common among those with sensitive skin. The corrosiveness of Chloramine causes pipes to release toxins such as lead.

Chloramine is more difficult to filter out of water and requires catalytic carbon to remove it from home water systems.
Chlorine is much easier to filter out than Chloramine. Filter Media needs to be selected carefully and several other factors need to be evaluated. There are numerous system configurations that will provide an affordable solution.

Pure Water by Design can design a system, using EPA-recommended media, that is effective in Chlorine & Chloramine filtering, estimated at around 90% removal. We are happy to discuss this in more detail, our contact information is below.