If you drink tap water in Alabama or Florida, you're drinking chlorine. Municipal water treatment plants add chlorine (or chloramine, a chlorine-ammonia compound) to disinfect water and kill harmful bacteria. It's an essential part of making water safe to deliver through miles of pipes. But by the time it reaches your faucet, that chlorine has done its job — and what's left can affect your water's taste, your skin, and your health.
Why Is Chlorine Added to Water?
Chlorine has been used to disinfect public water supplies since the early 1900s. It's extremely effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause waterborne diseases. Without chlorination, our tap water would be unsafe to drink. However, the EPA allows chlorine residuals of up to 4 mg/L in drinking water — a level that many people can taste and smell.
Side Effects of Chlorinated Water
- •Unpleasant taste and odor in drinking water and ice
- •Dry, irritated skin — especially for those with eczema or sensitive skin
- •Dry, brittle hair and faded color-treated hair
- •Trihalomethanes (THMs) — disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter
- •Potential respiratory irritation from chlorine vapors during hot showers
- •Degradation of rubber seals and gaskets in plumbing fixtures over time
How to Remove Chlorine from Your Home's Water
The most effective solution is a whole-house carbon filtration system. RainSoft's Whole-House Carbon Filter uses HYSULEX™ activated carbon media to dramatically reduce chlorine and its byproducts from all the water in your home — not just at one faucet. The system requires no electricity and includes an automatic bypass during regeneration so you always have water.
For an additional layer of protection at your kitchen sink, add the Ultrefiner Elite reverse osmosis system for drinking water that's virtually free of chlorine, PFAS, lead, and dozens of other contaminants.
ℹ️ Did You Know? Fun fact: The average household uses about 80-100 gallons of water per person per day. That's a lot of chlorinated water touching your skin, going into your food, and running through your appliances. A whole-house system treats it all.
Free Water Test — See What's in Your Water
RainSoft of the Wiregrass offers free in-home water analysis across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Our certified water specialist will test your water on the spot and show you exactly how much chlorine and other contaminants are present. Call (334) 308-2782 to schedule yours today.
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