Most people are aware that municipal water treatment involves the use of chlorine, but few know that many are also using ammonia which bonds with the chlorine to form chloramines. The reason they are doing this is to reduce the health hazards related to chlorine by itself, such as the higher potential for it reacting with organic matter in the water and forming trihalomethanes, which are carcinogenic. This was done to meet EPA guidelines to reduce trihalomethanes, but it is far from an ideal option. One of the biggest problems is that it is more difficult to remove chloramine than it is chlorine, and chloramine poses other problems. Here are the problems involved with chloramine and why you should consider a water treatment system that includes chlorine/chloramine removal.
- Increased Lead in Water – If you have lead pipes, water with chloramine can pull it into your water supply more readily. While re-piping is highly recommended if you have lead pipes, it is critical to do so or take the step of chlorine/chloramine removal for your family’s safety.
- Health Problems – There is a long list of health problems that have been found to be directly related to chloramine exposure. If you or your family members have experienced severe skin rashes or outbreaks, sneezing, swollen ears, dry or scaling skin, extreme fatigue, coughs or raspy throat, stomach aches, yeast infections, itchy or burning eyes, or peeling fingernails, it may be due to chloramine exposure. Many people are allergic to one degree or another. The good news is that once the exposure stops, most of these conditions abate in a few days.
At Progressive Water Solutions LLC, we offer complimentary water testing in the Durham, North Carolina area and beyond and can provide you with effective chlorine/chloramine removal solutions. We can also address any other contaminants that may be present in your municipal water. Call today if you would like peace of mind that your water is safe for drinking, bathing, laundry, cooking, and more.