Chloramine Water Removal

Just what is "chloramine water" and is it harmful to our bodies?The first part of the question is quite easy to answer but there seems to be much debate on the second part.

Chloramines are inorganic compounds formed when ammonia is added to chlorine in order to the water supply.

These compounds have a long disinfectant effect on the water and is especially useful for getting rid of pathogens as water moves through municipal pipes and household plumbing.

The most popular form of chloramines found in the tap water supply is monochloramine.

Source Of Contamination: When ammonia is added to chlorine to treat the water supply, chloramines are formed.

Drinking Water Standard: The EPA limits chloramine concentration to 4 mg/L. This limit is known as the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level or MRDL.

The EPA anticipates that there will be no adverse health effects occurring when people drink water containing chloramine at or below the MRDL.

Health Effects: The EPA believes that chloraminated water at or below the MRDL is safe to drink and cook with.

However, people who use water containing chloramine at levels above the MRDL could experience irritation to the eyes and nose. Drinking water that has chloramine in excess of the MRDL could lead to anemia and stomach discomfort.

Chloramine water could cause the leaching of lead from pipes. It is never good to have lead in drinking water.

The EPA recommends that municipal water authorities add a corrosion inhibitor to the water supply. Such a substance forms a protecting coating around pipes to minimize the leaching of lead.

Another health concern regarding chloramine in water is its effect on disinfection by products (DBPs). DBPs are substances that are formed when chlorine and chloramine interact with organic material in the water.

There seems to be some scientific link between ingesting water that contains DBPs and getting cancer or reproductive and developmental health problems. However, there are those who challenge the veracity of this link.

Best Drinking Water Filter: Why take the chance on what could happen over time to your family's health as they drink tap water that has chloramine in it. Achieve chloramine removal from your tap water by installing a tap water filter.

However, bear in mind that not all water treatment systems can remove chloramines in drinking water. If you acquire a water filtration unit certified to NSF standard 42 - you can rest assured that you are getting a quality device capable of eliminating chloramines from water.

This activated whole house water filter is certified to NSF 42 standard.

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