The Dangers of Chlorine and Chloramine in Tap Water: What Houston Homeowners Need to Know

Name: Sunni Energy
Address: 3730 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX, 77098, US
Telephone: (832) 205-8195
Price range: $$

Sunni Energy
Aug 10
2 min read

Most Houston residents trust that their tap water is safe—after all, it’s treated and delivered by the city. But did you know that the very chemicals used to disinfect your water, chlorine and chloramine, can have unwanted side effects for your home and your health? Here’s what every Houston homeowner should know about these common water additives—and how you can protect your family.

What Are Chlorine and Chloramine?

Chlorine has been used for decades as a powerful disinfectant in municipal water supplies. It kills bacteria and viruses, making water "safer" to drink.
Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia. Many cities, including Houston, now use chloramine because it remains effective longer as water travels through pipes
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Why Are They a Problem?

While both chemicals are effective at killing germs, they can also cause several issues:

1. Unpleasant Taste and Odor

Chlorine and chloramine can give your water a chemical taste or smell, making it less appealing for drinking and cooking.

2. Skin and Respiratory Irritation

Sensitive individuals may notice dry, itchy skin, or irritated eyes after bathing in chlorinated water. Chloramine can also release small amounts of ammonia, which can be bothersome for those with asthma or allergies.

3. Corrosion of Pipes and Fixtures

Chloramine is particularly corrosive to metal plumbing, especially older lead or copper pipes. This corrosion can lead to the leaching of heavy metals into your water—a serious health concern.

4. Harm to Aquatic Life and Plants

Chlorine and chloramine are toxic to fish and can harm household plants if used for watering over time.

5. Byproducts and Long-Term Health Risks

When chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, it can form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) such as trihalomethanes (THMs), which have been linked to potential health risks with long-term exposure.

How Can You Protect Your Family?

The good news: you don’t have to live with these risks. Advanced water filtration systems can effectively reduce or remove chlorine and chloramine from every tap in your home.

Sunni Energy’s Solutions for Houston

Whole House Filtration: Our PURONICS Hydronex iGen C and Clarius iGen C systems use Chlorostatic Technology to reduce chlorine and chloramine, delivering clean, fresh water throughout your home.
No More Chemical Taste or Odor: Enjoy better-tasting water for drinking, cooking, and making beverages.
Gentler on Skin and Hair: Filtered water helps keep your skin soft and your hair manageable.
Protects Pipes and Appliances: Reduce corrosion and extend the life of your plumbing and fixtures.