Chloramine in tap water

Chloramine is a disinfectant that water utilities make by adding ammonia to chlorine. It keeps protecting water longer than chlorine as the water travels through the pipes (EPA). EPA says water with chloramines that meets its standards is safe for drinking, cooking and bathing (same source). If you need to remove it, look for a filter listing with a chloramine reduction claim, which is a separate claim from chlorine reduction (IAPMO).

Why utilities use it

• It lasts longer in pipes. Chlorine gets used up quickly, so there may not be enough left by the time water reaches your tap. Chloramine keeps killing germs in the pipes longer (CDC).
• It forms fewer disinfection byproducts. Some utilities switched to chloramine to meet EPA's disinfection byproduct requirements (EPA). CDC notes that it makes fewer byproducts than chlorine (CDC).
• It is common. More than one in five Americans use drinking water treated with chloramines (EPA).

Some utilities switch to chlorine for a while, for example to clear the slime layer (biofilm) that grows inside pipes (CDC). Water with chlorine can taste and smell different from water with chloramine, so you may notice the switch (same source).

How much is allowed

The maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL) for chloramines is 4 ppm, or 4 milligrams per liter (EPA). It is measured as an annual average (EPA). CDC says chlorine or chloramine levels up to 4 mg/L are considered safe in drinking water (CDC). Your water quality report shows which disinfectant your utility uses and at what level (same source).

Who needs to remove it

• Dialysis. Dialysis centers must remove all chlorine and chloramine from the water before they use it. If you do dialysis at home, CDC says to check your machine's instructions or contact the manufacturer (CDC).
• Fish, turtles and frogs. Animals that live in water absorb it directly, so even low levels can make them sick. Pet stores sell products that remove chloramine. Letting water sit out removes chlorine, but not chloramine (same source).
• Dogs, cats and birds are not affected by the small amounts in tap water (same source).

The claim to look for on a filter

On the IAPMO R&T listings we checked, chloramine is its own reduction claim under NSF/ANSI 42, the standard listed as "Drinking Water Treatment Unit - Aesthetic Effects". For example, the listing for the Aquasana Claryum Direct Connect shows "Chloramine, Chlorine, Particulate Class I" as three separate claims (IAPMO WP-10706). So:

1. Look for the word chloramine on the listing for your exact model and replacement cartridge.
2. Treat "chlorine" or "chlorine, taste and odor" as a different claim.
3. Note the capacity in gallons on the listing, and replace the cartridge before you reach it.

Chloramine claims in our product data

As of 16 Oct 2026, 34 of the 97 products in our data mention chloramine reduction (how we label claims):

All six whole-house filters in that group carry the label "Brand claim, no certification cited". Three of the four certified products:

Two gallons a day is 730 gallons a year, so adjust the last column for your household. Where the brand sets a shorter time limit, the table uses it. Also follow the replacement schedule in the manual.

To check other models, search IAPMO R&T, NSF or WQA. To find the disinfectant row in your utility's report, see how to read your water quality report.