Introduction
Chlorine is a chemical disinfectant that is routinely added to municipal drinking water to kill pathogenic microorganisms. While it is intended to protect us from disease, it can cause us more harm than good. However, it is possible to remove chlorine from tap water with a chlorine water filter, which is very effective at preventing the harmful affects of exposure to chlorine in tap water.
Things to consider when shopping for a chlorine water filter
Why use a chlorine water filter
Chlorine in tap water gives water an unpleasant chemical taste, dries hair and skin, irritates eyes and respiratory tract, contributes to asthma and is potentially carcinogenic. Chlorine can combine with other chemical compounds often found in tap water, such as phenols, to form a variety of disinfection byproducts, some of which are thought to cause long-term health effects or even be carcinogenic. Chlorine also reacts with organic matter present in water to form Trihlomethanes such as chloroform — a known carcinogen — that can enter the body via the skin, inhalation and ingestion. Using a water filter to remove chlorine from your tap water will not only improve the taste and smell of your water but will also protect you from adverse health effects associated with exposure to these contaminants.
Is it possible to filter chlorine with Berkey filters?
Yes! Berkey water filters fitted with Black Berkey filter elements will remove chlorine and its harmful byproducts to below detectable limits, and will also remove more than 200 other drinking water contaminants from drinking water to keep you safely hydrated. The Berkey Shower Filter reduces free chlorine by 98%, thereby preventing damage to your skin, hair, eyes and lungs, as well as protecting you from health issues associated with exposure to chlorine.
How to choose the chlorine water filter?
While many water utilities use chlorine to disinfect drinking water, some use other chemical disinfectants, such as chloramines for example. Before you settle for a drinking water filter that is capable of removing chlorine, it would be wise to get your water tested so that you know exactly what contaminants are present. Once you are armed with this information, you can go shopping for a water filter that will target the specific contaminants that concern you. One chlorine water filter may only remove chlorine, and maybe contaminants that give water a bad taste or smell, while another may be capable of removing a much broader list of common contaminants, including chlorine. The best water filter for removing chlorine, is one that can remove chlorine to below detectable limits while also removing a host of other potentially harmful contaminants that may be present in your water. There are several ways for you to find out what is in your water. A good starting point is to check the Environmental Working Group's online water quality database to see if your water utility is included in their water quality report. You can also check the annual water quality reports that should come with your water utility bill. If you tap into a private water supply such as a borehole, you will have to collect water samples and have them tested by a reputable lab. For peace of mind, it may be a good idea to have your water tested by a private lab even if the source is a municipal water treatment facility, as water can become contaminated en-route to your home.
Things to consider before buying a chlorine water filter
There are a few things you need to consider when looking for the best water filter for chlorine.
- Does it remove chlorine and its byproducts? As mentioned earlier, chlorine can combine or react with other compounds that may be present in water to form toxic byproducts. When choosing a drinking water filter to remove chlorine, you should ensure it also removes byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THM's).
- How much chlorine does it remove? Some chlorine water filters will reduce levels of chlorine but still leave traces of chlorine and/or its byproducts. The best water filter for chlorine will remove chlorine and its byproducts to below detectable levels. Read the fine print to see if the chlorine water filter you are interested in is capable of achieving this. This will guarantee your family ultimate protection from the adverse health affects associated with chlorine.
- Filtration capabilities — What other common drinking water pollutants does the filter target? For your ultimate protection, a water filter that is capable of removing a wider range of contaminants would be a better buy than one that just targets chlorine. It seems a bit pointless to prevent adverse health affects from chlorine only to expose yourself to risks associated with other harmful contaminants, such as lead for example. Check your water quality report to see which contaminants you need to focus on.
- Storage capacity, water output and filtering efficiency — You will need to select a water filter that can adequately cater for all the members of your household. The size of the system and its flow rate should be sufficient to provide a steady stream of water to keep up with the water requirements of your family.
- Affordability — When shopping for a chlorine water filter we recommend that you not only consider the upfront cost of the system, but also the long-term costs associated with replacing filter elements/cartridges. A water filter with a low upfront cost may end up costing far more per gallon of water delivered if you factor in filter replacement costs. Do your homework before parting with your hard-earned cash.
- Portability — You should also consider where you may want to use the water filter and whether it needs to be portable. A portable water filter for chlorine will give you the benefit of taking the filter with you on holiday, allowing you to remove chlorine and possibly other contaminants you could potentially be exposed to while you are away from home. The Berkey range of water filters are designed to be durable; they are also gravity fed and therefore do not require a power source to operate, making them extremely portable. However, some systems have a more compact or lightweight design, which makes them better suited to being packed into luggage or transported about.
Chlorine water filter - best picks for 2022 by Berkey
Best Countertop Chlorine Filter
The Big Berkey Chlorine Water Filter is the best countertop water filter to remove chlorine for a household consisting of two to four people. The Big Berkey chlorine water filter fitted with Black Berkey purification elements has been independently certified by State and EPA accredited laboratories to remove a wide range of harmful drinking water pollutants, including chlorine, THMs, chloramines.
Pros
- A Berkey chlorine water filter fitted Black Berkey filter elements will remove both chlorine and THM's to below detectable limits.
- Black Berkey filter elements are capable of removing over 200 common drinking water contaminants, including heavy metals such as lead and mercury, pathogenic microorganisms, as well as a wide range of toxic industrial and agricultural chemicals to levels that exceed EPA 7 ANSI/NSF 53 protocols.
- Can provide 3.5 gallons of chlorine-free drinking water per hour with a standard set of 2 Black Berkey filter elements fitted inside the upper chamber, and 7 gallons per hour with 4 Black Berkey filter elements fitted.
- Black Berkey purification elements will filter 6000 gallons of water before needing to be replaced.
- Long lifespan of filters means the Berkey offers a very economical solution for providing chlorine-free drinking water.
- The large 2.1 gallon storage tank stores enough safe drinking water for up to four people. Larger families/groups could consider any of the larger sized Berkey systems such as the Royal Berkey (2-6 ppl), Imperial Berkey (6-10+ ppl) or Crown Berkey (8-12+ ppl).
- The polished steel chambers are durable and look great on a kitchen countertop.
- Doesn't require mains or battery power to operate, making it very portable.
Cons
- Waiting 1-2 hours for the system to filter 3.5 gallons of water may be a tad long, especially if you are thirsty. However, the flow rate can be speeded up by fitting an additional set of Black Berkey filter elements into the upper chamber, effectively doubling the rate of flow.
Best Portable Chlorine Water Filter
If you are looking for the best water filter for chlorine while on the go, the ultra-portable Go Berkey Kit is a good choice. The Go Berkey Kit consists of a compact polished stainless steel gravity-fed filter fitted with a single Black Berkey purification element, and a handy BPA-free plastic Sport Berkey water bottle filter.
Pros
- A Berkey chlorine water filter fitted Black Berkey filter elements will remove both chlorine and THM's to below detectable limits.
- Made from durable polished stainless steel.
- Small, compact and lightweight chlorine filter that measures only 10 inches high makes it convenient to pack or store while traveling.
- Includes a vinyl carry case to hold both water bottles plus the Berkey primer tool that is included with the kit.
- Portable, gravity fed chlorine water filter that can be used on the go to remove chlorine from water wherever you are.
- Black Berky heavy metal filter elements are capable of removing over 200 common drinking water contaminants.
- Filters 1 gallon of water per hour.
- The single Black Berkey purification element will purify 3000 gallons of water before needing to be replaced.
- The long life of the purification element makes this heavy metal filter very economical over the long-term.
- The Sport Berkey water filter bottle is a great backup chlorine water filter to keep you hydrated while the Go Berkey is busy processing a batch of water.
- The Sport Berkey water bottle can be used to prime the Black Berkey filter element when there is no water pressure available.
- When used to remove chlorine from municipal water, the Sport Berkey water filter bottle can be refilled 640 times.
- Can also be used to purify well water, lake water and river water.
Cons
- Only provides sufficient chlorine-free water for one person. Couples, duos or trios may want to consider the slightly larger Travel Berkey as an alternative.
- Flow rate decreases as water level in upper chamber drops. To maintain maximum flow rate, its best to keep the upper chamber topped up with water.
Best Budget Chlorine Water Filter
If you are searching for a water filter to remove chlorine but have a restricted budget, the Berkey Light is the perfect choice. This model is as efficient and effective at removing chlorine and other contaminants as Berkey's stainless steel options, but has a cheaper price tag. Being both durable and light, it is a great option if you are wanting to take it with you on your travels, especially if you are traveling in large groups.
Pros
- A Berkey chlorine water filter fitted Black Berkey filter elements will remove both chlorine and THM's to below detectable limits.
- Black Berkey heavy metal filter elements are capable of removing over 200 common drinking water contaminants.
- Made from BPA-free plastic.
- Lightweight but durable.
- With standard 2 Black Berkey filter elements fitted it purifies 4 gallons of water per hour. This can be increased to 7.5 gallons per hour but adding an additional set of Black Berkey filter elements (total of 4 filter elements).
- Storage capacity of 2.75 gallons provides chlorine-free water for up to six people.
- At just 7 pounds, it weighs the same as the Big Berkey but has a larger storage capacity that can cater for an additional 2 people.
- Lightweight, durable, gravity-fed system that is extremely portable. Ideal for taking on vacation, using in remote locations and in emergency situations.
Cons
- Doesn't have the same aesthetics as Berkey's stainless steel systems, but packs the same punch in terms of filtering power without denting your budget.
Best Chlorine Water Filter for Shower
If you are looking for a water filter to remove chlorine from shower water look no further than the Berkey Shower Head Filter with massage shower head. Not only will it remove chlorine, but also pathogens, heavy metals and odor causing contaminants, with the added feature of a massage head that provides a truly enjoyable showering experience.
Pros
- Removes up to 98% of free chlorine present in water
- Effective at reducing chlorine in both hot and cold water.
- Reduces chemical absorption and inhalation of toxic chlorine byproduct vapors (chloroform) you can be exposed to in steam while showering.
- Reduces damage to skin and hair.
- Reduces irritation to eyes, throat and lungs.
- Reduces scale accumulation.
- Reduces heavy metals.
- Eliminates dirt and bad odors.
- Easy to install — just unscrew the shower head and shower arm, and insert the filter between the shower head/arm and the water pipe.
- Low maintenance.
- Utilizes high-purity copper-zinc KDF/Redox technology.
- Long lifespan — filter will last approximately 1 year or filter up to 30,000 gallons (113,400 liters) before needing to be replaced.
Cons
- Not NSF/ANSI certified.
- Only comes in white BPA-free plastic, no chrome option available.
Best of the Best
If you are looking for the best water filter for chlorine in drinking water, our top pick is the Big Berkey. It has a durable, aesthetic stainless steel design, can comfortably provide chlorine-free drinking water for up to 4 people, and doesn't require power to operate, making it fully portable. If you are looking for the best water filter to remove chlorine from shower water, the Berkey Shower Head Filter with massage shower head pips the standard Berkey Shower Head Filter to the post, as it's just as effective at removing chlorine and other contaminants, but with the added massage head feature it enhances your overall showering experience
