Chlorine vs. chloramine: what's the difference?
Many Southern California utilities disinfect with chloramine instead of chlorine. Both keep water safe from pathogens, but chloramine is harder to remove and can affect taste, smell, and sensitive uses like aquariums.
The difference
Chlorine is a fast-acting disinfectant that dissipates relatively quickly. Chloramine is chlorine combined with ammonia — it's more stable, lasts longer in the pipes, and produces fewer regulated byproducts, which is why many utilities switched to it.
How it affects your home
Chloramine can give water a distinct taste and smell, and it bothers some people's skin and eyes. It's also harmful to fish and must be fully removed for aquariums and for kidney-dialysis use.
How to remove chloramine
Chloramine is more stubborn than chlorine — standard carbon filters and most fridge filters only partially remove it. Catalytic (high-grade) carbon and reverse osmosis are far more effective, which is why Puragain's multi-stage RO systems use carbon stages ahead of the RO membrane.
Frequently asked
Does San Diego use chloramine?
Many San Diego County and Southern California utilities use chloramine. Check your local water provider's report, or test your water to be sure.
Does reverse osmosis remove chloramine?
Yes — a multi-stage RO system with catalytic carbon removes chloramine effectively at the tap.
Do refrigerator filters remove chloramine?
Only partially. Basic carbon filters aren't designed to fully remove chloramine — catalytic carbon or RO does a far better job.
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