Chlorine & Chloramines Contamination in Tampa Bay Drinking Water
Introduction
Chlorine and chloramines are chemical disinfectants commonly used by public water systems to treat drinking water. While disinfection is essential for killing harmful pathogens, chlorine and chloramines can react with organic matter to form potentially harmful disinfection byproducts. This article explores the presence of chlorine and chloramines in Tampa Bay's drinking water, associated health concerns, and effective water treatment solutions for removal.
Presence in Drinking Water
Chlorine and chloramines are present in the tap water of many Bay Area communities. The local water municipalities add these chemicals at the treatment plants to disinfect the water supply.
Tampa Bay Counties and Cities with Chlorine/Chloramine Residuals
Pinellas County: Clearwater, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs
Pasco County: Dade City, Holiday, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Zephyrhills
Hillsborough County: Apollo Beach, Brandon, Gibsonton, Lutz, Odessa, Plant City, Riverview, Ruskin, Tampa, Valrico
Hernando County: Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee
Chlorine and chloramines are found at low levels throughout the municipal water supplies of these Bay Area communities. Those on private wells may also have chlorine or chloramine residuals if the well owner treats the raw water with these disinfectants.
Health Concerns
While chlorine and chloramines kill pathogens, they can react with organic matter to form harmful disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). The EPA regulates THMs and HAAs due to potential health risks at excessive levels.
Potential Health Effects
Reproductive issues
Developmental delays in children
Bladder cancer
Rectal cancer
Increased asthma risk
Sensitive individuals may also experience skin irritation, dry hair, and eye irritation from showering in water containing chlorine or chloramines. Those with chemical sensitivities are at greatest risk.
Water Treatment Solutions
To remove chlorine, chloramines, and disinfection byproducts from your water, Aqua-Wise Water Treatment Solutions recommends:
AquaCarbonGuard Catalytic Carbon Filter
The AquaCarbonGuard uses catalytic carbon filtration to effectively reduce chlorine, chloramines, THMs, and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). It also filters sediment and other particulates down to 0.5 microns.
AquaBlue Whole House Filter System
This system combines sediment filtration with Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) to reduce chlorine, chloramines, THMs, pesticides, herbicides, VOCs, and other chemicals. It protects all the water in your home.
AquaRevive Reverse Osmosis System
Reverse osmosis (RO) uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove dissolved contaminants like chlorine, chloramines, THMs, heavy metals, and total dissolved solids. It provides ultra-purified water.
WellFusion Well Water Treatment
Well owners can use multi-stage systems combining sediment filtration, activated carbon, and UV light to effectively remove chlorine, chloramines, and disinfection byproducts from their well water supply.
Protect Your Health from Water Contaminants
Protect your home from chlorine, chloramines, and dangerous disinfection byproducts with professional water treatment from Aqua-Wise. Schedule a free water test today to get started!