Chlorine (disinfectant)
Also reported as: chloramine
What it is
Public water systems are required to disinfect water to control germs, and most use chlorine or chloramine. A small amount stays in the water all the way to your tap.
Your body
According to EPA, people drinking water containing chlorine well in excess of the federal limit could experience eye or nose irritation or stomach discomfort. Disinfection itself is an important public health protection.
Your home
Chlorine causes the “pool” taste and smell many people notice. Over time it can dry out rubber seals and gaskets in fixtures and appliances.
Federal standard: MRDL 4 ppm (EPA)
Treatment options that can reduce it
Carbon filtration reduces chlorine taste and odor. Chloramine needs a catalytic carbon filter sized for it.
Maryland water systems that reported chlorine
- Baltimore City Department of Public WorksBaltimore City (also serves most of Baltimore County) · 2025 data
- City of AnnapolisAnne Arundel · 2025 data
- City of CambridgeDorchester · 2025 data
- City of FrederickFrederick · 2025 data
- City of SalisburyWicomico · 2025 data
- Easton UtilitiesTalbot · 2025 data
- Harford County Department of Public WorksHarford · 2025 data
- Howard County Department of Public WorksHoward · 2025 data
- Town of OxfordTalbot · 2025 data
- Town of St. MichaelsTalbot · 2025 data
- Town of TrappeTalbot · 2025 data
- WSSC WaterMontgomery and Prince George's · 2025 data
The information on this site is for general education only and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified health professional about health concerns. Water treatment equipment performance depends on the system, its certification, and proper maintenance.
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