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1. What are chloramines and why are they used?

Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia at low concentrations. They are regarded as a more reliable disinfectant than chlorine alone because they last longer in distribution systems. Chloramines also produce lower levels of disinfection byproducts than chlorine alone.

2. Are chloramines safe?

Castle Rock water began using chloramines instead of chlorine in 2013. While this process was relatively new to our customers, many municipal and private water providers across the United States and Canada have used this safe, effective disinfectant for more than 90 years. Denver and surrounding communities, for example, have been using chloramine-treated water since 1917.

3. If chloramines disinfect, can’t they harm people and pets?

No. To be harmful, chloramines have to go directly into the bloodstream, as happens in kidney dialysis. Fish take chloramines directly into their bloodstream through their gills. That's why chloramines must be removed from water used for either of these purposes.

4. Kidney dialysis patients, aquatic life owners and beermakers should remove chloramines.

Just like chlorine, chloramines will need to be removed from water for processes requiring highly conditioned water. Tanks for fish, amphibians and reptiles, as well as dialysis machines and beer making should use water in which chloramines have been removed.

5. Do home water softeners remove chloramines?

Most water softeners are not designed to remove chloramines. Check the label on any de-chlorinating product to ensure it is effective for removing chloramines before use.