City Water Series: What’s Really in City Water? Chloramine, DBPs & How to Remove Them
If your home relies on municipal water, the water leaving the treatment plant has already undergone extensive chemical disinfection. Without these disinfectants, harmful microbes—bacteria, viruses, protozoa—could spread rapidly through the system.
But there’s a hidden side to this water treatment chemistry. When chlorine and chloramine react with naturally occurring organic matter, they form unintended chemicals known as disinfection byproducts (DBPs). These include THMs, HAAs, nitrosamines, haloacetonitriles, haloketones, iodinated DBPs, and more—most of which never appear in your annual water report.
This guide explains what chemicals cities add, how DBPs form, and the whole-house and point-of-use filtration systems that protect your family.
Why Cities Add Chemicals to Your Water
Cities use disinfectants to keep water microbiologically safe through miles of pipes:
- Free chlorine
- Chloramine (chlorine + ammonia)
- Chlorine dioxide
- Ozone
- UV light (non-chemical)
Utilities also add coagulants, corrosion inhibitors such as polyphosphates, and pH stabilizers. These chemicals aren't harmful themselves—but once chlorine and ammonia meet organic matter, disinfection byproducts (DBPs) begin forming.
What Chlorine & Chloramine Turn Into: Understanding Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs)
Trihalomethanes (THMs)
- Chloroform
- Bromodichloromethane
- Dibromochloromethane
- Bromoform
Haloacetic Acids (HAAs)
The HAA5 group includes:
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Trichloroacetic acid
- Monobromoacetic acid
- Dibromoacetic acid
Chloramine Byproducts
- Dichloramine
- Trichloramine
- Nitrosamines (NDMA) — extremely potent carcinogenic DBPs
Emerging DBPs Seldom Discussed
- Haloacetonitriles (HANs)
- Haloketones (HKs)
- Iodinated DBPs — extremely toxic in studies
- Brominated DBPs — common in coastal cities
Why DBPs Are So Common in Municipal Water
- High organic load in lakes and rivers where water supplies are drawn from
- Pre-chlorination at water intakes
- Long distribution systems
- Aging pipes with biofilm
- Chloramine decay and nitrification
Whole-House Filtration That Reduces DBPs
Whole-House Catalytic Carbon
 |
| Catalytic Carbon |
- Chloramine reduction
- Chlorine removal
- THM reduction
- VOC reduction
- Better taste & smell
Large Carbon Block Systems for POE Filtration
Excellent performance, but requires frequent cartridge replacements.
Bluonics Whole House Water Purifier - 3 Stage Filter System
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Mixed Bed Media Backwashing System: Catalytic Carbon + KDF
Backwashing Filter with Vortech Plate
Good for chlorine and chloramine removal, heavy metal removal, and overall water quality improvement.
Why Is KDF® Filter Media Different?
Point-of-Use Filters (Under-Sink, RO, Fridge)
Under-Sink Carbon Block Filtration
Removes chlorine, chloramine (with catalytic carbon), THMs, HAAs, and VOCs.
Reverse Osmosis System (RO)
- THMs and HAAs
- Chloramine byproducts
- PFAS
- Heavy Metals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Microplastics
- TDS
Refrigerator Filters
Most OEM fridge filters do NOT remove DBPs; upgrade or feed fridge with RO.
The Best Setup for City Water
- Whole-house catalytic carbon
- RO or carbon block at the kitchen sink
- Optional upgraded fridge/ice filtration
I wish you Good days and Good water!
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