Worried about chlorine in your drinking water? Do you wonder what options are the best for your home? Today, we have the best and most performing chlorine water filter picks available on the market today, their reviews, and a buying guide. We also discuss the backstory of water chlorination, and how it came to pass.
Chlorine is knowingly added to water supplies to prevent bacteria from growing. The chlorination of water began long ago when illnesses like typhoid, cholera, and dysentery were commonplace. However, chlorine itself is actually very toxic. Chlorine gas is even used as a chemical weapon, and has been labeled as a “choking agent”. Furthermore, chlorine in water is known to combine with organic matter to form harmful Trihalomethanes (THMs). These have been linked with negative health effects, including cancer.
So, what can we do to limit our exposure to harmful chlorine? Well, one of the most effective ways to combat chlorine is by using a water filter. Let’s discuss today the top chlorine water filter picks of this year and understand more about how they work in removing chlorine from your water.
Do Water Filters Remove Chlorine?
Yes, they do. Most water filters present on the market today feature the proper filtering technology to help you get rid of the chlorine taste and smell from your water. If you remember our guide on how water filters work, you know that regardless of the filtering system they come with, most of them are fully capable of removing chlorine from both city and well water. While some chlorine water filters cannot remove more dangerous water contaminants, you can be sure that chlorine odor and taste will become a thing of the past.
Chlorine Water Filtration Types
In this guide, we recommend 7 of the best water filters that remove chlorine. When it comes to chlorine water filtration, we suggest the following types of water filters:
- A reverse osmosis system that is incredibly effective in removing over 1000+ harmful contaminants.
- A whole-house system that will filter all of your household water (drinking & bathing).
- A water filter pitcher that is less expensive and requires no installation
- A chlorine shower filter that will protect your skin, hair, and lungs.
- An under-sink water filter that combines carbon filtration with Reverse Osmosis to offer you crystal clear, contaminant-free drinking water.
- A faucet water filter against chlorine that also serves your needs for space and mobility, as it is best for small homes and people who move around a lot.
- Finally, a countertop water filter that provides you with the necessary amounts of chlorine and contaminant-free drinking water for you and your family.
Read on to find out more about the best and most appropriate chlorine water filter for your home size, family size, water drinking needs, common drinking water pollutants you want to remove besides chlorine, and the types of water filters and technologies available on the market!
The Top 7 Chlorine Filter Picks of 2020
These are the chlorine filters that we feel offer some of the best protection out there. For more reviews, information, installation & maintenance tips and advice, feel free to read our guides or ask us in the comment section below!
1. Reverse Osmosis Chlorine Water Filter – iSpring RCC7
- High Capacity Reverse Osmosis water filtration for safer, healthier…
- Experience clean, safe, good-tasting water every time you turn on the…
- Easy, do-it-yourself installation, typically in a couple of hours with…
Reverse osmosis is the most effective form of home water filtration available. This method of filtering water can remove 1000+ pollutants from water by up to 99%.
This particular system is one of the best reverse osmosis water filters on the market to date, and is certified to remove 94-95% of chlorine, and over 90% of chlorine’s harmful THM by-product. This particular product also received a WQA Gold Seal to prove its effectiveness in filtering drinking water.
You can install it under your kitchen sink and rip the bnefits. The filter provides clean drinking water at the kitchen faucet. The iSpring brand is one of the best in the business of water filtration. They have a great reputation, and offer an amazing one year satisfaction guarantee, and lifetime support from their team of specialists.
If you want more information about this product, make sure you check out our full iSpring RCC7 review and buying guide. As we said there, this product has few if any competitors and few other similar filters can beat it for value. In case you want a chlorine water filter that also makes your water alkaline, we recommend the iSpring RCC7-AK reverse osmosis water filter for an improved experience with drinking water and a healthier lifestyle.
2. Whole House Chlorine Water Filter – Aquasana Rhino EQ-400
- Designed for chloramine removal – Removes 97% of chlorine and the…
- 400,000 gallons or 4 years – high-performance water filtration for…
- System includes filtration tank, 10″ pre-filter, post-filter,…
We have talked extensively about the Aquasana Rhino water filter system when we reviewed the Aquasana Rhino EQ-1000 with + Salt-Free Water Conditioner. As you know, that particular model also made it to our list of best whole house water filters to try this year for a definitive solving of the water contamination problem in your home.
This Aquasana Rhino model is a whole house system that will filter all of the household water. That means clean drinking water, and also bathing water that is safe from chlorine.
This model specializes in the removal of chlorine and its by-products. It has been independently tested to remove an amazing 97% of chlorine, as well as chloramines. It also removes dangerous heavy metals such as mercury and lead, as well as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, and industrial solvents.
Being a whole house system, it is the most expensive of our recommendations. However, the chlorine filter can last up to 6 years, which surpasses anything else we have seen. It takes a bit of extra work to install, but it will protect your whole home from harmful contaminants.
3. Chlorine Water Filter Pitcher – ZeroWater 10 Cup Pitcher
- 10 CUP WATER FILTERING PITCHER: You’ll always have cleaner, pure…
- FIVE STAGE WATER FILTRATION: Unlike many water filters & pitchers,…
- NOT AN ORDINARY WATER FILTER: ZeroWater filters filter water in 5…
This water filter pitcher is the only one certified to reduce lead, chromium, and chlorine. It also removes over 99% of mercury, copper, and arsenic. It’s also the cheapest of the drinking water filters that we have included in our top best water filter pitchers and chlorine water filter choices, by some margin.
The ZeroWater filter pitcher uses a 5-stage filter that removes up to 99.6% of total dissolved solids (TDS) from the water. A nice touch is the inclusion of a digital TDS meter which allows you to measure the quality of the water.
This pitcher chlorine water filter is completely portable and doesn’t require any installation. Despite its simplicity, it’s still an effective filtration tool. It works best if you only want to remove chlorine from drinking water, live in a smaller home that does not allow the installation of more massive whole house water filters, or you travel/move around a lot and you need a more mobile water filter solution than an under-sink water filter.
4. Shower Chlorine Water Filter – Culligan WSH-C125
- Wall-mounted filtered shower head, meets epa water sense certification…
- Shower head has anti clog rubber spray nozzles that offer 5 spray…
- Shower head and filter are easy-to-install, no tools required
The name Culligan is already probably familiar to you, as the brand makes some of the best water softener systems and water filters on the market.
This chlorine filter shower head is really easy to install and requires no tools. The filter cartridge lasts for around 6 months and protects against chlorine and sulfur. It is NSF certified and meets the EPA Water Sense certification standard. The filter media is also patented to inhibit bacterial growth.
The chlorine filter shower head has anti-clog rubber spray nozzles that give 5 different spray settings, for maximum comfort. It is also available in wall mount or handheld options.
This model has some of the best chlorine shower filter reviews we have seen. But, best of all it is really attractively priced. If you want to learn more about this unit and want to see other shower filters that can remove chlorine and a host of other contaminants, we recommend you to check out our guide on the best shower water filters to get this year!
5. Under-Sink Chlorine Water Filter – APEC WFS-1000
- High quality, designed, engineered, and assembled in the USA system with…
- Super capacity filters guaranteeing to remove chemicals, taste and…
- Premium long-lasting filter used to treat tap water, well water….
If you remember our guide on the best under-sink water filters, you also remember that the APEC WFS-1000 was and still is our top choice when it comes to filtration systems that mix reverse osmosis with carbon filters.
As we said before, this under-sink water filter is impressive when it comes to its tech specs and features. It features a 100% Lead-Free chrome faucet plus an FDA-certified JG food grade tubing. The filter life span is about 12 months and the 3 stages of filtration ensure that your municipal water is free not only of chlorine, but of other contaminants as well.
All in all, it is one of the best chlorine water filter picks if you live in a medium-sized apartment and have a family that wants to drink pure water from the kitchen faucet without worrying about contaminants.
6. Faucet Chlorine Water Filter – PUR PFM400H Faucet Mount Water
- Pur Advanced Faucet Filtration System: PUR Advanced Faucet Filter In…
- Faucet Water Filter; PUR’s MineralClear faucet filters are certified…
- WHY FILTER WATER? Home tap water may look clean but may contain…
Our top choice in the list of best faucet water filters to buy in 2020, this PUR faucet mount filtration system could give reverse osmosis filters a good run for their money. This unit comes with a certification guaranteeing it to remove over 70 contaminants, chlorine and lead included, which is rare in faucet filters in general.
The PUR faucet filters have gone through certifications that grant them the ability to remove more contaminants than any other similar products in the same price range. You can understand, therefore, why we favor this product for the removal of chlorine and other water contaminants.
The best part is that this unit comes with easy installation and maintenance, improved battery time, a built-in filter life indicator, decent filter life, good customer support, and an excellent price!
7. Best Countertop Chlorine Water Filter: WaterChef C7000
- Powerful BIG BLOCK Filtration Technology for Superior Contaminant…
- Filter More and Spend Less – Huge 1,000 GALLON Capacity! (Just ONE…
- Tested & Certified by NSF International for Trusted Performance -…
The WaterChef C7000 is a NSF-certified system that can remove up to 99% of lead from water, together with chlorine and other contaminants. You may remember this unit from our two different guides, the one on the best countertop water filters on the market and the best water filters for lead removal.
This countertop water filter successfully removes chlorine and chloramines, lead, and other contaminants from your drinking water, including pesticides and herbicides, VOCs, benzene, and even some bacteria. It comes with a lifetime warranty, an incredible stylish design, and plenty of features that are worth every cent.
These were our chlorine water filter picks of the year. Now, it is time to discuss water chlorination, and other aspects regarding chlorine in your drinking water.
Water Chlorination: The Backstory
Water chlorination divides opinion. Let’s take a look at the facts to see whether you should be concerned or not.
What Are Water Treatments?
It is a process that involves the use of chemicals in order to kill germs making water safe for drinking, industrial uses, and recreational uses among others. The process helps to remove contaminants and reduce their concentration making water it safer for use. When water is treated, substances removed include suspended solids, bacteria, algae, viruses, fungi and minerals like iron and manganese.
What is Water Chlorination?
It is a treatment method that involves the addition of chlorine or hypochlorite in water. This is done to kill certain bacteria and other microbes since chlorine is highly toxic to them. This helps to prevent the onset of health conditions like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
Water that is used for consumption and cooking needs to be free of micro organisms. When a person contracts any of the related diseases, it usually depends on the pathogen, number of organisms, strength of the organism and the volume ingested among others. In order to purify the water, a specific treatment called disinfection is carried out.
The History of Water Chlorination
Crude death rate for infectious diseases – United States, 1900-1996
The use of the water-chlorination procedure started back in the early 1900s and the first use of chlorine gas to disinfect drinking water happened in Middlekerke, Belgium in 1903. Previously, treatment was done using hydrated lime or bleaching powder.
In 1908, the city of Jersey City, New Jersey became the first city and state in the US to perform a full-scale treatment procedure using sodium hypochlorite. In the same year, the Bubbly Creek firm started the process in Chicago. This time chloride-of-lime was used.
C.R. Darnall compressed chlorine gas in a steel cylinder in 1910 and this has been the most common method for treating water. In 1914, the US Department of Treasury set up standards calling for a maximum bacterial concentration of 2 coliforms per 100ml of water. This required effective disinfection which led to the use of water-chlorination by treatment plants.
In the 1930s, the treatment procedure had prevented all health conditions associated with water diseases in the US.
The Positive Effects of Water Chlorination
1. Reduction of bacteria and viruses in water
Water has many uses in homes and industries. In homes, we use it to quench the thirst and cooking while in industries, it is used in the production of goods as well as cleaning. It comes from many sources ranging from rivers, streams, and springs.
As it flows from one location to another, it comes into contact with plants, rocks and human activity. This leads to the deposit of bacteria and viruses. Due to this, it has been found to cause health conditions like cholera and typhoid. Chlorine is toxic and when added to water, it reduces the volume of bacteria and viruses.
2. Scalability and low cost
The process of producing chlorine is a large scale and the raw materials come in abundance. This has made the production of the gas as well as the byproducts for treatment to be affordable. The large scale production of the treatment product has made it possible for treatment plants to dispense the product in the water via large pipes and tanks.
3. Residual protection against re-contamination
During the treatment process, the chlorine mixture added does not drain away easily and thanks to its residual protection, users cannot experience the onset of diseases. The toxic levels of chlorine itself help to reduce the volume of bacteria and viruses which are known to cause different diseases.
The Negative Effects of Water Chlorination
- It offers relatively low protection against protozoa – this can lead to the onset of health conditions like amoebic dysentery among others.
- It lowers disinfection effectiveness in turbid waters.
- Quality control of the solution must be ensured.
- There are potential long term effects of chlorine by-products.
- Chlorine combines with organic matter to form byproducts called Trihalomethanes (THM). These are very toxic when consumed in water, inhaled as water vapor when bathing, or even applied to the skin when bathing too.
- It gives the water a bad taste and odor. This affects drinking, cooking, and bathing.
It seems, with water chlorination, that we are receiving protection against one thing by something that is just as hazardous. It’s a worrying thought that something so potentially toxic is knowingly added to our water.
Chlorine in Drinking Water and Chlorine Water Filters: Bottom Line
While the chlorine debate – just like the water fluoridation one – is not going to end soon, it is reasonable to consider the solutions we have at hand to remove chlorine, fluoride, and all other contaminants from our water, either we drink it or use it in our homes for cooking, hygiene, or recreation.
We hope this guide and our chlorine water filter reviews helped you to learn more about the products you should factor in your purchase decision, the filtering technologies that serve your needs best, and the criteria you need to consider before you buy one.
Keep in mind that we regularly post informative articles on our Facebook, Google+, and Twitter pages. There are links at the top of the page if you’d like to stay connected. Use the comment section below to share your thoughts and opinions on these chlorine water filters in case you ever used one of the models reviewed. Also, we are here for you to offer you answers to your questions and inquiries.
Sources
http://www.cdc.gov/safewater/chlorination.html
http://extoxnet.orst.edu/faqs/safedrink/chlor.htm
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2000/articles/2000-v15n02-p089.shtml
I am curios when you say 300,000 gallons, 3 years do mean to change the filters, is it the life of the unit?
Thank you