Chlorine is used to disinfect water and remove microbes such as bacteria. EPA allows its use to treat private wells and city water supplies. The EPA’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) for chlorine is 4.0 mg/L. Chlorine below this concentration is safe for consumption but the water tastes and smells awkward.
Many homeowners are frustrated with chlorine’s presence in water and often look for its treatment. Hence, the question; do water filters remove chlorine? In this article, we will discuss do filters remove chlorine and which are best at removing it.
Do Water Filters Remove Chlorine?
It depends on the type of filter you have. Carbon filters and multi-stage filters with carbon cartridges remove chlorine. However, the capacity to remove chlorine varies from one filter to another.
It is important to check a filter’s certification and filtration technique before buying a chlorine filter. Water filters with NSF-42 certification are independently tested and certified to remove chlorine from city water and tap water. Moreover, filters with carbon blocks such as activated or granular carbon are great for removing chlorine from water. Filters with KDF media also remove up to 99% chlorine.
Water Filters That Remove Chlorine
Whole House Filters
Most whole house filters have a carbon filter to remove chlorine from water. It can be found as a part of the filter or as a separate cartridge.
Whole house filters come in various designs and have different filtration capabilities. Some systems can remove sediment, chlorine, heavy metals, TDS, and hardness. Some can only remove sediment and chlorine from water.
1. iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System
iSpring’s water filter is an excellent option for removing sediment, up to 99% chlorine taste & water, VOCs, pesticides, herbicides, and industrial solvents. It has a maximum flow rate of 15 gallons and is suitable for small to medium homes on well water. You can run 2-3 bathrooms on this filter.
2. Waterdrop Whole House Water Filter System
This is a budget-friendly option if your main concern is removing sediment and chlorine from water. It removes chlorine, lead, benzene, mercury, sediment, sand, and rust from well water. You can use this filter in large homes too.
3. Aquasana EQ-1000 Whole House System
Aquasana’s whole house water filtration system allows you to choose different filtration stages. You can use a unit with a sediment filter, carbon filter, or water conditioner or add a UV filtration stage. Moreover, you can also select filter life.
This filter is best for people who have multiple filtration needs such as chlorine removal, water conditioning, and UV filtration. Overall, this is an excellent filter but with a limited flow rate. You cannot use it in large homes.
Reverse Osmosis Filters
A reverse osmosis filter can also remove chlorine from water. RO membrane is a semi-permeable membrane with a micron rating as low as 0.0001. RO systems have a carbon cartridge before the RO membrane to protect and ensure longevity. Most RO filters have 2-3 carbon filters for 100% chlorine and VOCs removal. However, RO filters waste 1-2 gallons of water for every gallon they filter.
1. APEC Water Systems ROES-50
It consists of a sediment filter and 2 carbon filters that remove up to 99% chlorine from water. The 4th stage is a RO membrane that removes TDS and all other contaminants from water except microorganisms. The last stage in the filter is a coconut carbon stage for taste improvement.
2. iSpring RCC7AK Multi-stage RO Filter
This filter delivers 100% clean and healthy drinking water. It consists of a sediment filter, 2 carbon filters, an RO membrane, a remineralization stage, and a granular carbon filter that removes any leftover chlorine. It is an excellent filter for large homes as it can filter 75 gallons daily.
3. SimPure Y7 UV Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System
This countertop variant is best for people who don’t want to get into the hassle of installing an under-sink RO filter. All you have to do is place the unit on the counter, connect a water pipe and plug it in. The system removes chlorine, TDS, heavy metals, and microorganisms.
Faucet Filters
Faucet filters with carbon block and NSF 42 certification can remove chlorine from incoming water. However, they have limited filtration capabilities and cannot remove TDS or heavy metals from water. Most models can also remove sediment in the water.
1. Brita Tap Water Filter System
Brita’s faucet filter is best for removing chlorine from tap water. It is easy to install and doesn’t require hard plumbing or electric connections to work. The filter works for 100 gallons.
Filter Pitchers
Filter pitchers with a granular or activated carbon block filter can also remove chlorine taste and smell from water. Most city water users use filter pitchers to remove chlorine taste and smell from water when local authorities chlorinate water to kill germs. They are the easiest to use as you just have to pour water into them.
1. Waterdrop 200-Gallon Long-Life Chubby 10-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
One of the best filter pitchers you will find under $30. It has a wooden handle for ergonomic grip, a pour-through opening, and sturdy glass construction. The filter lasts 200 gallons, which is more than enough for an average American family.
Refrigerator Filters
Refrigerator filters with NSF 42 certification can also remove chlorine from drinking water. They consist of a carbon block that reduces chlorine up to 99%. Some refrigerator filters also remove sediment and VOCs from incoming water.
Shower Filters
Bathing in chlorinated water can make hair brittle and dry. It also causes skin itching and dryness. Hence, it is important to remove excess chlorine in shower water. Shower filters with KDF media can remove chlorine from water effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best filter to remove chlorine?
RO filters are best for removing chlorine from drinking water because they have multiple carbon filtration stages. A typical RO filter can remove up to 99% chlorine from drinking water.
2. How do carbon filters remove chlorine from water?
Carbon filters are porous blocks that have millions of tiny holes and nooks. Chlorine and other impurities get trapped in these holes before water moves out of the filter. The impurities occupy the holes, and thus cartridges need to be replaced after some time.
3. Can carbon filters remove chloramines?
Catalytic carbon filters can remove chloramines. Chloramines are more effective, and many public water systems use them to disinfect water. A catalytic carbon filter is better for city water because it can also filter chlorine.
4. Can oxidation filters remove chlorine?
Oxidation-reduction filters that use KDF media can remove chlorine from drinking water. These filters can also remove iron and manganese.
5. Which water filters don’t remove chlorine?
Sediment and UV filters cannot remove chlorine from drinking water because they lack carbon blocks.
6. How to remove chlorine from water without a filter?
You can let the water sit for some time to remove the chlorine smell from the water. Chlorine is much lighter than oxygen and evaporates at room temperature. It will take 200-220 hours to evaporate 4 mg/L chlorine from 10 gallons of water. You can boil the water to speed up the process.
But, boiling water is not feasible for day-to-day use. Moreover, boiling water concentrates other impurities in water because many contaminants have a higher boiling point than water.
Distillation is another process that removes chlorine without water filters. However, it is costly, time consuming and cannot produce enough water required for household use. Distillation is mostly used for chemical reactions and medical purposes. Moreover, you cannot drink distilled water because it lacks all the minerals and tastes bland.
Final Words
Many people opt for a whole house filter to remove chlorine from drinking water. A whole house system effectively removes chlorine and makes water safe for drinking, cooking, showering, and other uses.
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