If you’ve ever taken a sip of tap water and wrinkled your nose at the unmistakable taste of chlorine, you’re not alone. Many people find the taste of chlorine unpleasant, and it can make something as simple as staying hydrated feel like a chore. Luckily, there are effective solutions that can help you enjoy pure, clean water that tastes great—and one of the best ways to do that is by using a water filter specifically designed to reduce chlorine taste.
In this guide, we’ll explore how you can effectively eliminate that unwanted chlorine taste from your water, the different types of water filters available, and the highly-rated options you can consider, including some popular choices available on Amazon.
Why Does Your Tap Water Taste Like Chlorine?
Tap water in many parts of the world is treated with chlorine to kill bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. It’s a common practice that helps ensure that your water is safe to drink. Unfortunately, chlorine leaves a distinctive taste and odor behind, which some people find off-putting. This is where water filters come in—they’re designed to remove chlorine and its byproducts, resulting in clean, great-tasting water.
Types of Water Filters to Reduce Chlorine Taste
There are several types of water filters that can effectively reduce chlorine levels and improve the taste of your tap water. Let’s take a closer look at these options to help you find the best fit for your needs.
1. Pitcher Water Filters
Pitcher water filters are one of the most convenient ways to reduce chlorine taste. They’re portable, affordable, and simple to use. Just pour tap water into the pitcher, and the filter will do its work, giving you clean and crisp water to enjoy.
Popular Option: The Brita Everyday Pitcher is one of the most popular pitcher filters you can find on Amazon. With thousands of reviews and an average rating above 4 stars, this pitcher filter is effective at reducing chlorine and improving taste. The filter uses activated carbon to absorb chlorine and other impurities, resulting in water that tastes significantly better.
Another well-loved product is the PUR Classic Water Filter Pitcher. With its well-rated MAXION filter technology, it promises to reduce not just chlorine, but also other contaminants like mercury and copper. PUR’s filters are known for delivering a clean and fresh taste that many people prefer.
2. Faucet-Mounted Water Filters
Faucet-mounted water filters are ideal if you want filtered water on-demand directly from your tap. They’re installed on your faucet and allow you to easily switch between filtered and unfiltered water.
Popular Option: The PUR Plus Faucet Mount Water Filtration System is a great choice that you can find on Amazon with thousands of positive reviews. It’s easy to install and effectively removes chlorine, sediment, and other common contaminants. This faucet filter is highly rated by many users for the difference it makes in taste, and the convenience of not needing to refill a pitcher is a significant bonus.
Another option to consider is the Brita Basic Faucet Water Filter System. Like PUR, Brita’s faucet system is highly efficient at reducing chlorine taste and odor, and it can be installed quickly without any tools. It’s a cost-effective solution that many people love due to its simple setup and consistent performance.
3. Under-Sink Water Filters
For a more permanent and powerful solution, consider under-sink water filters. These filters are installed under your kitchen sink and filter the water before it comes out of your tap. They’re excellent at reducing chlorine and other harmful contaminants.
Popular Option: The iSpring RCC7 Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis System is a top-rated choice on Amazon. With its multi-stage filtration system, it removes up to 99% of chlorine, along with other contaminants like lead, fluoride, and heavy metals. Many reviewers praise the noticeable improvement in the taste and quality of their water.
Another popular under-sink filter is the APEC Top Tier 5-Stage Ultra Safe Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filter System. This system is well-known for providing clean, bottled-quality water. While it’s a more expensive option, it’s an investment that delivers incredibly pure, great-tasting water.
4. Countertop Water Filters
Countertop water filters are another convenient option for reducing chlorine in your drinking water. They sit next to your sink and are usually connected directly to your faucet, making them a perfect middle-ground between pitchers and under-sink systems.
Popular Option: The Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter is a favorite among many Amazon shoppers. The filter uses a combination of activated carbon and other filtration methods to remove chlorine and various other contaminants. Many people love the taste of the filtered water and appreciate the capacity that this system offers.
The Home Master TMJRF2 Countertop Water Filtration System is also highly rated for its chlorine reduction capabilities. It provides an easy and straightforward way to improve your water quality and taste without needing extensive installation.
5. Whole-House Water Filters
If you want chlorine-free water for your entire home, including for your shower and washing dishes, a whole-house water filter could be the best option. These filters are installed at the point where water enters your home, providing filtered water throughout.
Popular Option: The Aquasana Whole House Water Filter System is a popular choice for homeowners. It effectively removes chlorine, sediments, and other impurities from your entire water supply, giving you clean, great-tasting water from every tap in your house. This system is highly rated for its effectiveness and long-lasting filters.
Understanding Activated Carbon Filters
Most of the water filters designed to reduce chlorine taste use activated carbon. Activated carbon works by adsorbing chlorine and other organic compounds, effectively removing them from your water. This type of filter is very efficient at reducing chlorine taste and odor, which is why you’ll see it used in so many different types of filtration systems.
If you’re specifically looking to reduce chlorine taste, an activated carbon filter is the way to go. It’s a simple yet powerful solution that significantly improves the quality of your water.
How to Choose the Best Water Filter for Your Needs
With so many options available, you may be wondering which water filter is right for you. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:
- Water Usage: If you’re only concerned about drinking water, a pitcher or faucet-mounted filter might be sufficient. However, if you want filtered water throughout your home, consider an under-sink or whole-house system.
- Budget: Pitcher filters are usually the most affordable, while under-sink and whole-house systems are more of an investment. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend to improve the taste and quality of your water.
- Ease of Installation: Faucet-mounted and pitcher filters are easy to set up, while under-sink and whole-house systems may require some plumbing work. Choose a filter based on how comfortable you are with the installation process.
- Filter Replacement Cost and Frequency: Every water filter has a replacement schedule. Make sure to factor in how often you’ll need to replace the filter and how much it will cost over time.
Benefits of Using Water Filters for Chlorine Reduction
The benefits of using water filters go beyond simply improving the taste of your tap water. Here are some additional advantages of reducing chlorine levels:
- Better Taste and Odor: Removing chlorine results in water that tastes and smells significantly better. This means you’ll enjoy drinking water more, which helps you stay hydrated.
- Healthier Skin and Hair: Chlorine in tap water can cause dryness and irritation for both your skin and hair. By using a water filter, you can reduce the exposure to chlorine, which can result in healthier skin and hair, especially if you install a whole-house filter.
- Reduction of Harmful Byproducts: Chlorine can combine with organic matter in water to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs), which may have potential health risks. Filtering your water helps reduce your exposure to these unwanted byproducts.
Maintenance Tips for Your Water Filter
No matter which type of water filter you choose, proper maintenance is key to ensuring that it continues to perform effectively. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:
- Replace Filters Regularly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing the filter cartridge. Most filters need to be replaced every few months to a year, depending on usage and the type of filter.
- Clean Your Filter System: Some filters, like pitchers, need regular cleaning to prevent buildup. Make sure to clean the pitcher or housing regularly to keep everything in good condition.
- Monitor Filter Performance: If you notice the water flow slowing down or the chlorine taste returning, it may be time to replace your filter. Pay attention to how your water looks, tastes, and smells to stay on top of maintenance.
Conclusion: Enjoy Clean, Chlorine-Free Water
Removing the chlorine taste from your tap water can make a world of difference in how enjoyable it is to drink. Whether you opt for a pitcher, a faucet-mounted filter, an under-sink system, or even a whole-house filter, there are plenty of effective options available that can give you clean, great-tasting water.
Remember to consider factors like your budget, the installation process, and how much water you want to filter when making your decision. With popular products like the Brita Pitcher, PUR Faucet Mount, or the iSpring Reverse Osmosis System, you’re sure to find a highly-rated, effective solution that fits your needs. And once you’ve made your choice, you can finally say goodbye to that unwanted chlorine taste and start enjoying your water again.
Happy filtering, and here’s to clean, refreshing water!