Water Disinfectant Precautions

Chloramines require precautions for dialysis patients and aquarium fish

In 2002, Englewood’s Utilities Department switched from chlorine to chloramines as the primary disinfectant in the city’s water system. Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia, and have been shown to be effective in maintaining improved taste and quality in water.

Chloramine Precautions

Chloramines can be harmful when they go directly into the bloodstream. As a result, dialysis patients must take special precautions if they are using a home dialysis machine. Chloramines can also affect fish in an aquarium, and fish owners should take measures to remove chloramines from the water in their aquariums. The good news is, it is relatively easy to remove chloramines from the water.

Removing Chloramines

Chloramines can be removed by adding ascorbic acid to the water or by using granular activated carbon treatment. Dialysis patients should check with their physicians and their home dialysis service companies to determine the appropriate type of water treatment. Fish owners can use a granulated activated carbon filter or a dichlorination agent, available from many local pet stores, to remove chloramines.

Why use Chloramines?

The Utilities Department switched to chloramines because they last longer in the distribution system, they lack taste and odor, and they help deliver water with the lowest possible levels of disinfection by-products. Utilities staff worked closely with the local hospitals and pet stores before implementing the change.

Frequnetly Asked Questions

The answers to many frequently asked questions are listed below.

Are chloramines new?

Why did Englewood make the change to chloramines?

Are there any individuals who may be harmed by the use of chloramines?

Why do kidney dialysis patients have to take special precautions?

How can people with home dialysis machines remove chloramines?

If chloramines are toxic, won’t they harm people and pets?

Can people with kidney ailments, on low-sodium diets, or with diabetes use chloraminated water?

Do home water softeners remove chloramines?

How do chloramines affect fish?

Because fish absorb chloramines directly from the water into their blood streams, chloramines are toxic and must be removed from water, just as chlorine was toxic and had to be removed. You may not have had to remove chlorine from your aquarium water, however, because it disappears rapidly on its own. This will not happen with chloramines and steps should be taken to remove chloramines. Most pet stores have sold dechlorinating agents for years and, generally, have recommended using them. The chemicals used to remove chlorine should work just as well for chloramines. Several manufacturers have been adding chloramine information on labels on their products for years.

Won’t letting water sit for a few days remove chloramines from tank or pond water?

No. Chlorine dissipates when water is left to sit for a few days. Chloramines may take weeks to disappear. If you don’t want to use a dechloraminating chemical, the next best solution is to install a granular activated filter and allow sufficient contact time.

Are both salt and fresh water fish affected by chloramines?

Chloramines affect salt water fish just as they effect fresh water fish. Chloramines will have to be removed if the water used to make salt water solution comes from a chloraminated supply.

Will a granular activated carbon filter remove chloramines?

Will chloramines be removed by boiling the water?

City of Englewood, Colorado

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