Why Does My Tap Water Smell Like Chlorine? (And How to Fix It)

We’ve all had that moment: you turn on the kitchen faucet, fill a glass, and bring it to your lips, only to be hit by a scent that reminds you more of a swimming pool than a refreshing drink. It’s off-putting, to say the least.

While tap water in the United States is generally considered some of the safest in the world, that chemical odor can make staying hydrated feel like a chore. If you are trying to drink more water for your health, a bad smell is a major hurdle.

But why does this happen? Is it safe? And most importantly, how can you get rid of it?

Here is everything you need to know about why your water smells like chlorine and the most effective ways to restore its natural, fresh taste.

Why is chlorine added to tap water?

The short answer is safety. Public water systems add disinfectants like chlorine and chloramine to the water supply to kill parasites, bacteria, and viruses that can cause severe illness.

This practice began in the United States in 1908 and is considered one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Before chlorination, waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera were major threats.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water treatment plants maintain a residual level of these disinfectants to ensure the water stays safe as it travels through miles of pipes to reach your home.

Is chlorinated water safe to drink?

Yes, from a regulatory standpoint. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets strict limits on the amount of chlorine and chloramine allowed in drinking water.

The Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) is currently set at 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The EPA and CDC confirm that levels up to this limit are considered safe for consumption and generally do not cause adverse health effects.

However, “safe to drink” doesn’t always mean “enjoyable to drink.” Even levels well below the safety limit can cause a distinct taste and odor that many people find unpalatable. Furthermore, sensitive groups, such as those with skin conditions or specific allergies, often prefer to minimize their exposure to chlorinated water.

Chlorine vs. Chloramine: What’s the difference?

You might notice that the smell in your water changes throughout the year, or that standard filtration methods don’t seem to work as well as they used to. This is often because water utilities switch between two different types of disinfectants: chlorine and chloramine.

Chlorine

Chlorine is a potent disinfectant that evaporates relatively quickly when exposed to air. It has a strong, bleach-like odor but is easier to remove from water.

Chloramine

Chloramine is a chemical compound formed by combining chlorine with ammonia. Many municipalities have switched to chloramine because it is more stable than chlorine, meaning it stays in the water longer as it travels through the distribution system.

While this stability is good for public safety, it makes chloramine much harder to remove from your tap water than standard chlorine. It also tends to have a different, sometimes mustier, chemical smell.

How to remove chlorine from water

If you are ready to banish the “pool water” smell and enjoy fresh, pure hydration, there are several methods you can try at home. Here are the most effective ways to remove chlorine and chloramine.

1. Let the water sit (Aeration)

For standard chlorine, one of the simplest methods is time. Because chlorine is volatile, it will naturally evaporate into the air if given enough time.

• How to do it: Fill a pitcher with cold tap water and leave it uncovered on your counter or in the refrigerator.
• Time required: It usually takes about 24 hours for the chlorine to dissipate significantly.
• The downside: This method does not work for chloramine. Because chloramine is designed to be stable, it will not evaporate even if you leave the water sitting for days. It also leaves your water open to airborne dust and odors from your fridge.

2. Boiling the water

Heat accelerates the evaporation process. Boiling water can remove free chlorine much faster than letting it sit at room temperature.

• How to do it: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• The downside: Like aeration, this is energy-intensive and time-consuming. It is also ineffective at efficiently removing chloramine. Plus, you have to wait for the water to cool down before you can drink it.

3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Surprisingly, Vitamin C is a powerful neutralizing agent for both chlorine and chloramine. In fact, the USDA Forest Service notes that Vitamin C is an effective method for neutralizing chlorine in water systems without being hazardous.

• How to do it: You can add a small amount of ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate powder to your water.
• The downside: Getting the dosage right can be tricky, and it may slightly alter the pH (acidity) of your water.

4. Activated Carbon Filtration
(The Best Solution)

For most households, the most practical, effective, and sustainable solution is a high-quality carbon filter.

Activated carbon works through a process called adsorption. The vast surface area of the carbon acts like a magnet, trapping chlorine and chloramine molecules as the water passes through.

Unlike boiling or aeration, a high-quality filter handles both chlorine and chloramine effectively. It also has the added benefit of removing other common contaminants like pesticides, lead, and pharmaceutical residues, while retaining the healthy minerals your body needs.

If you are looking for an elegant way to implement this, the ENYA Glass Water Filter Pitcher is an excellent option. It uses advanced activated carbon derived from sustainable coconut shells to remove up to 99.99% of chlorine, ensuring your water tastes crisp and clean.

The benefits of filtering your own water

Choosing to filter your tap water rather than buying bottled water or suffering through the chemical taste offers three distinct advantages:

Better Health & Hydration

When water tastes good, you drink more of it. Removing the chemical odor encourages better hydration habits for the whole family. Furthermore, premium filters like those used in Lotus Vita products don’t just subtract the bad stuff; they enrich your water with essential minerals like magnesium and calcium.

Sustainability

Bottled water is a major environmental crisis. Every year, billions of plastic bottles end up in landfills and oceans. By using a glass pitcher with a replaceable filter, you are actively reducing plastic waste and lowering your carbon footprint.

Cost Savings

While a high-quality filter has an upfront cost, it is significantly cheaper per gallon than buying bottled water over the course of a year.

Summary: Taking control of your tap water

The smell of chlorine in your tap water is a sign that it has been disinfected, but it doesn’t mean you have to settle for that taste.

While boiling and aeration can help with basic chlorine, they fall short against chloramine and are inconvenient for daily use.

For the health-conscious household, an activated carbon filter remains the gold standard for how to remove chlorine from water. It provides a reliable barrier against chemical tastes and odors, transforming your ordinary tap water into a premium hydration experience.