Tap Water Smells Like Chlorine: Understanding and Fixing It
Have you noticed your tap water smells like chlorine the moment it comes out of the faucet? Chlorine is used to disinfect water and keep it safe, but a strong smell or taste can make you question its quality. The good news is that the EPA regulates chlorine levels to protect your health.
Whether you're sensitive to the smell or want fresher-tasting water, it's helpful to understand why chlorine is added and how to reduce it without compromising safety.
This article explains the reasons behind the smell and offers practical ways to address it, so your water is clean, safe, and tastes better. Keep reading to learn more.
Where Does the Chlorine Smell Come From
Chlorine is added to kill harmful viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. This process is crucial for public health and is used in water treatment plants across the United States. You might notice the smell more strongly in these cases:
The water is freshly treated and still contains residual chlorine
Your home plumbing or water heater causes the chlorine smell to intensify
Chlorine reacts with organic matter or other compounds in your plumbing system
Water sits in pipes too long, allowing chlorine to build up
Seasonal changes affect how much chlorine is added during water treatment
Sometimes, water plants temporarily increase chlorine to handle contamination risks
Chlorine Taste Solutions
Reducing the chlorine taste and smell is easier than you might think. Here are some practical tap water safety tips to try.
Let the Water Sit
Fill a pitcher or container with tap water and let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours. Chlorine is a gas and will naturally evaporate over time, reducing the smell and taste.
Flush the Taps
Run cold water for a minute or two before use, especially in the morning. This helps to clear out stagnant water that may have absorbed more chlorine.
Boil the Water
Boiling water for approximately 10-15 minutes helps remove chlorine. This method is helpful if you need chlorine-free water for cooking or drinking on the go.
Use Activated Carbon Filters
Activated carbon filters trap and remove chlorine from water by attracting chlorine molecules to their surface. They not only reduce the smell but also improve the overall taste of the water.
Use Vitamin C Filters or Tablets
Vitamin C effectively neutralizes chlorine by converting it into chloride, a harmless form of salt. Many shower filters and tablets use Vitamin C to reduce chlorine exposure and prevent skin and hair irritation during baths or showers.
Install a Whole-House Water Filter
For a more comprehensive fix, consider installing a whole-house filtration system. These systems filter chlorine before water enters your home, which also protects your plumbing and appliances.
Tap Water Purification Options
If you want to go beyond simply reducing chlorine smell, consider these water treatment systems, which can remove chlorine and other contaminants.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
RO systems work by pushing water through a semi-permeable membrane to get rid of:
Chlorine
Sediment
Dissolved chemicals
Heavy metals
The result is clean, great-tasting water ideal for drinking and cooking.
Ultraviolet (UV) Purifiers
UV purifiers use a specific wavelength of light to destroy the DNA of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms, thereby preventing them from reproducing and causing illness. This chemical-free method is highly effective for disinfection, especially in areas with potential biological contamination.
While they don't remove chlorine, UV purifiers are often combined with other filtration systems to ensure complete water safety.
Distillation Units
These systems boil water, collect the vapor, and condense it back into liquid. This process removes chlorine, minerals, and a wide range of impurities, producing very pure water. Choosing the right system depends on your:
Household needs
Budget
Water testing is a smart first step in finding the right solution for your home. If the chlorine smell or other issues persist, combining filtration methods can make a big difference. For example, pairing a carbon filter with a reverse osmosis system can enhance both the taste and purity of the water.
Homes with sensitive users or complex plumbing systems may benefit from a customized filtration setup designed by a professional.
When Is the Chlorine Smell a Problem
A faint chlorine odor is typical and expected in treated water. However, certain conditions may indicate a plumbing issue or imbalanced chlorine levels. Here are signs you should investigate further:
The odor persists even after flushing or filtering
Water has an unusual taste alongside the smell
Skin feels dry or itchy after bathing
Other residents nearby don't notice the same odor
Contact your local water utility if you're unsure. They can perform tests or send you an up-to-date water quality report. If needed, a trusted local certified plumber can inspect your plumbing system for:
Buildup
Corrosion
Stagnant water
Does Chlorinated Water Affect Cooking and Drinks?
It can affect the flavor of anything made with it. Coffee and tea are susceptible to chlorine, which can give them a flat or chemical taste that dulls their natural flavor.
Chlorinated water can also have a subtle impact on cooking. In baking, for example, water quality affects how ingredients like yeast behave. If you're making sourdough or anything that requires fermentation, chlorine might slow things down by interfering with the natural bacteria those recipes rely on. The effect may be small, but if you bake often or brew your own kombucha, it's worth paying attention to.
What to Do When Your Tap Water Smells Like Chlorine
When tap water smells like chlorine, it is typically due to its use in treating water to eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure safety. Understanding why chlorine is present and using simple methods, such as activated carbon filters or boiling, can help reduce the chlorine odor and improve the taste of your water.
Tim Beil Plumbing combines decades of experience with state-of-the-art Kinetico equipment to deliver top-quality plumbing and water treatment solutions. Our professional technicians prioritize your safety, cleanliness, and transparent pricing, ensuring every job is done right the first time and within budget. Call today for service you can trust
