Drinking water contains numerous contaminants that can impact the flavor and health of your water. In fact, some of these substances, city utilities add to the water during treatment. Chloramines in drinking water are among these additives. Is it safe to drink water with chloramines? What should you do if you suspect that your water has this substance?
What Are Chloramines?
Chloramines are chemicals that occur when disinfecting water for drinking. They form when chlorine and ammonia mix in the water to create long-lasting prevention of pathogen growth. It is a secondary disinfectant whereas chlorine is a primary type. Primary disinfectants kill pathogens in the water at the plant. Secondary disinfectants prevent bacteria, viruses, and other organisms from growing when the water moves through plumbing systems to people’s homes.
Though one in five Americans consumes chloramines in drinking water, many feel concerned about the safety of this chemical especially because many public water systems changed from chlorine-only to using primary and secondary disinfectants. While using secondary disinfectants helps reduce the chances of spreading conditions like Legionnaire’s Disease, these additives can also impact your health in excessive amounts.
What Are the Dangers of Chloramines in Drinking Water?
When ingested over a long time in amounts over the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4.0 mg/L, you can experience several physical symptoms. Over time, you could have nose or eye irritation from being near vapors of the water. Ingestion could cause stomach upset or anemia.
Talk to your doctor about any unusual physical symptoms you may have. Only a doctor can tell you if you have anemia from another cause or if chloramines in drinking water contributed to it.
How You Can Remove Chloramines in Drinking Water
To be extra safe, use a water treatment system that also removes chloramines. If you already have a whole-home water filtration system, consider adding a chloramines reduction filter to it.
In addition to making the water safer to drink, reducing chloramines in drinking water can protect your pipes from pinhole leaks, death of aquarium life, and oxidation of reverse osmosis membranes.
Find Out More About Water Treatment Solutions for Chloramines in Drinking Water
Contact us at Best Home Water Treatment Systems for solutions for reducing chloramines in drinking water in your home. Call us at 951.737.1500 to find out about our filtration systems for individual taps or for the whole home. You deserve the best drinking water, and we can help you to get it.
