If you are on city water, the chances that your tap water contains chlorine is high. In the United States, chlorine is widely used in municipal water systems as a powerful disinfectant. It helps eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses, making our tap water safe to drink. But it leaves one to wonder what the effects of chlorine in water on the human body is when it’s drank daily.
If you have chlorine in your water, then you might notice a slight chemical taste or smell in your tap water. While chlorine levels are regulated and generally considered safe, ongoing exposure through drinking water may have subtle effects on your digestive system, hydration habits, or even the taste of your food and beverages.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the effects of chlorine in water on the human body, with a specific focus on what happens when it’s consumed regularly. We’ll also share simple ways to reduce chlorine in your drinking water, so you can feel confident about what’s coming out of your tap.
Why Is Chlorine Added to Drinking Water?
Chlorine is added to municipal drinking water because it’s one of the most effective ways to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause waterborne illnesses. It has been used in public water systems for over a century and is largely responsible for the dramatic reduction in diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery in modern communities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates how much chlorine can be added to public drinking water. Most systems maintain chlorine levels between 0.2 and 2.0 parts per million (ppm)—enough to disinfect the water without posing immediate health risks. This residual chlorine also helps protect water as it travels through pipes to your home, reducing the chance of contamination along the way.
In short, chlorine helps ensure that water remains clean and biologically safe from the treatment plant to your tap. While it’s highly effective at disinfection, ongoing exposure through daily drinking water has raised questions about taste, comfort, and long-term health effects of chlorine in water on the human body. Especially, when combined with other water quality concerns. That’s why many homeowners choose to filter chlorine out once the water reaches their home, giving them the best of both worlds: clean water and improved peace of mind.
Effects of Chlorine in Water on the Human Body
While adding chlorine to municipal water supplies is highly effective for disinfection, drinking water that contains chlorine on a regular basis may have some effects on the human body, especially depending on the amount and length of exposure.
For most people, low levels of chlorine in tap water may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, such as stomach irritation or a change in gut flora. Chlorine can alter the balance of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system, which may affect overall gut health in the long term.
Some research has raised concerns about the byproducts of chlorination, known as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs). These compounds are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water. Although the levels in municipal water are regulated by the EPA, long-term exposure to high levels of these byproducts may be linked to potential health risks, including bladder irritation or, in rare cases, increased cancer risk. That said, more studies are still being done, and these effects are primarily associated with long-term, high-level exposure.
Ultimately, the goal is to strike a balance: maintain water that is free of harmful microbes while minimizing chemical exposure. This is why many homeowners choose to filter their tap water, especially for drinking and cooking.
Common Signs of Chlorinated Water in Your Home
If your water has been treated with chlorine, you may notice a few subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs around your home. While chlorine is effective for disinfection, its presence can affect the way your water tastes, smells, and feels, especially when it’s not filtered before consuming.
One of the most common indicators is a bleach-like odor or taste, especially when you drink it or while brushing your teeth. Some people describe it as a chemical or metallic taste. This can make it unpleasant to drink straight from the tap. Also, you may notice the biggest difference when switching between city and well water supplies.
Visually, heavily chlorinated water may look cloudy or slightly off in color, especially if combined with other minerals or contaminants. While not dangerous at typical levels, these visual and sensory signs are often what prompt homeowners to explore filtration solutions.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it could be a signal that your water would benefit from additional treatment at the point of use or throughout your home. In the next section, we’ll look at effective ways to reduce chlorine in your water.
How to Reduce Chlorine in Your Drinking Water
So, if you’re looking to reduce the chemical taste, or odor in your tap water, or if you simply want to mitigate some of the effects of chlorine in water on the human body, then it may be time for a reverse osmosis (RO) system at your kitchen sink. RO systems use a multi-stage filtration process, including an activated carbon filter and a semi-permeable membrane, to remove chlorine, chloramines, and many other contaminants. It’s one of the most effective filter options on the market. The result is cleaner, better-tasting water for drinking, cooking, and brewing beverages.
You may also want to consider pairing your reverse osmosis system with a water softener if you’re struggling with hard water throughout the rest of your home.
Not sure what all you need for your water system? A professional water test can help you understand your current chlorine levels and recommend the best solution based on your specific needs.
