Chloramines in Drinking Water
EPA limits, health effects, and what to do if your water is affected.
🩨 Health Effects
At normal disinfectant levels, chloramines are not a significant health risk for most people. High levels (above the MCL) can cause eye and nose irritation and stomach discomfort. People on kidney dialysis must use special water treatment since chloramines can enter the bloodstream through dialysis.
📍 Sources in Water
Chloramines are added intentionally to disinfect water and to maintain a longer-lasting residual than free chlorine. Formed by reacting chlorine with ammonia. Many utilities use chloramine to reduce TTHM and HAA5 formation.
✅ What To Do
No action needed at permitted levels for the general public. If you are on kidney dialysis, notify your provider about your water treatment type. Whole-house carbon filters can reduce chloramine for sensitive individuals.
Check your tap water for Chloramines
Search your ZIP code to see if your water system has had Chloramines violations, plus lead testing results and an overall safety grade.
Search your ZIP code →Data from the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). MCLs reflect minimum federal standards; some contaminants may pose health risks below these thresholds.