Chloramine

Also known as monochloramine, chloramine is a colorless to a yellow chemical compound with chemical formula NH₂CI. The melting point of the halide with a strong pungent odor is -66º C (-87º F). It is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether. When diluted, the substance slowly decomposes to N2, NH4CI, and HCI.

The liquid substance is a chemical commonly used disinfectant for water in municipal water systems since it is more stable than hypochlorites and less aggressive than chlorine. Chloramine is also an important substance used in swimming pool disinfection.

In small amounts, chloramine in drinking water should not be a cause for concern. The chemical compound helps prevent waterborne diseases by eliminating harmful microorganisms in water supplies. However, chloramine may cause various health problems to the exposed individual in levels above the regulated standard. The adverse health effects associated with chloramine in drinking water include respiratory, skin, and eye irritations.

Yes. By gently boiling your water for not less than 20 minutes, you can remove chloramine from your tap water. The lesser time you boil your water,  the lesser of the chemical compound removed from the water.

Although there’s no MCL or Maximum Contamination Level for chloramine, the regulated standard or MRDL for the substance in drinking water is 4.0 mg/L. Levels above the Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level for chloramine may cause adverse health effects.

One of the most effective ways to remove chloramine from tap water is with the use of activated carbon in your filter system. Since most water filter systems have granular activated carbon (GAC), it’s easier to protect your homes from the chemical compound if you have a reliable water filtration unit.