Ever wondered why your tap water tastes like a swimming pool? Chlorine and chloramines are added for safety but create a chemical taste and smell. Learn why this happens and how to enjoy fresh, clean-tasting water with simple filtration solutions.

Why Does Tap Water Taste Like Chlorine?

If you've ever taken a sip of tap water and thought, “Why does this taste like a swimming pool?” you’re not alone. Chlorine and chloramines, commonly used in municipal water treatment, keep water safe by killing harmful bacteria. However, they also leave a noticeable chemical taste and smell, which can make drinking tap water less enjoyable.

What Causes the Chemical Taste in Tap Water?

Municipal water treatment facilities use chlorine as a disinfectant. It's highly effective at eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that could otherwise make us sick. However, chlorine has a strong taste that many find unappealing.

For additional safety, ammonia is sometimes added to chlorine in the form of chloramines, which are more stable and last longer in water pipelines. The downside? Chloramines add an ammonia-like odor to tap water. So, depending on whether your water contains chlorine or chloramines, it may smell like bleach or ammonia. Neither of these is particularly refreshing!

Health Risks of Chlorine and Chloramines in Drinking Water

While chlorine and chloramines keep water safe, consuming them over long periods can have actual health risks. Here are some documented concerns associated with drinking chlorinated water:

• Increased Cancer Risk: When chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, it forms compounds known as trihalomethanes (THMs), such as chloroform. Long-term exposure to high levels of THMs has been linked to an increased risk of bladder and colorectal cancers.
• Digestive Problems: Drinking water with high chlorine levels may contribute to stomach discomfort or digestive issues in some people, as chlorine can disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.
• Impact on Heart & Kidney Health: long-term exposure to high levels of chlorine in drinking water may impact heart and kidney health. These organs can be particularly susceptible to chemicals in the bloodstream, potentially leading to increased strain on the heart or kidney function over time.

If you’re noticing a strong chemical flavor, reducing chlorine levels with a water filter can improve both taste and safety.

Choosing the Right Water Filter for Chlorine Removal

When selecting a water filter, look for options designed to remove chlorine, chloramines, and other common tap water contaminants without stripping away beneficial minerals. Santevia offers a range of products that provide this balance. 

Our products use advanced filtration to effectively reduce chlorine and chloramines, transforming your tap water into clean, refreshing, mineral-rich drinking water. With Santevia, you can eliminate that “swimming pool” taste, enhancing the purity and taste of every glass.

Enjoy water that tastes great, supports your health, and makes staying hydrated easy!