Both are disinfectants. Chlorine is chlorine alone. Chloramine combines chlorine with ammonia and tends to last longer as water travels through pipes, which is why many utilities use it.
Why it matters at home
Chloramine can leave a faint pool-like smell or taste, and some people notice it most in the shower or in a glass of cold water. It is harder to remove than plain chlorine.
What removes it
Standard carbon filters handle chlorine well but are much less effective on chloramine. Catalytic carbon is designed for it and is the usual choice for a whole-home filter. A reverse osmosis system at the kitchen tap also reduces it for drinking water.
Check what your utility uses
Your utility’s annual water quality report says which disinfectant it uses. Our on-site test checks both chlorine and chloramine at your tap.
Want to know what’s in your water?
Book a free in-home water test. We test at your tap, explain the results and give you one flat written price if you need a system.
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