How to Remove Chlorine and Chloramine with Activated Carbon

Since 1908, municipalities have been using chlorine to disinfect drinking water. It’s helped stop diseases like typhoid fever and cholera, making our water much safer to drink. But while it works well, chlorine can leave a bad taste in water and create unwanted byproducts when it reacts with natural materials. To fix this, many cities now use monochloramine instead.

How Does Activated Carbon Help?

Activated carbon is amazing at getting rid of chlorine and monochloramine. But it doesn’t just absorb them—a chemical reaction happens on the carbon’s surface that removes these chemicals from water.

Here’s how it works:

• For chlorine: The carbon reacts with chlorine, turning it into harmless chloride ions.
• For monochloramine: The reaction takes longer but eventually breaks it down into safe compounds like nitrogen and water.

What Affects Filtration Efficiency?

The effectiveness of activated carbon depends on a few key factors:

1. Carbon Particle Size: Smaller carbon particles work faster but can cause more pressure in the system. For example, 20x50 mesh carbon is quicker than larger particles but may need system adjustments.
2. Water Temperature: Warmer water speeds up the chemical reactions. In colder climates, like winter up north, filtration can take longer.
3. pH Levels: Water with a neutral pH (around 7) makes it easier to remove chlorine. Extremely high pH levels slow the process.
4. Better Carbon Types: Special surface-enhanced carbon, like coconut shell-based carbon, works faster and better at removing monochloramine. It’s more efficient and can save money over time.

Designing a Good Filtration System

If your system is meant to remove chlorine and organic matter, it’s likely good enough for dechlorination. But if it’s for monochloramine, you might need to upgrade or adjust the system to allow for more contact time with the carbon. Some systems need an extended contact time of 10 minutes for traditional carbon and just three minutes for enhanced carbon.

Why Choose Freedom Water Systems?

Freedom Water Systems uses top-quality activated carbon technology to give you clean, safe, and great-tasting water. Whether you want to remove chlorine’s bad taste or reduce monochloramine, our systems are designed to work efficiently and effectively. We’re here to make sure you and your family enjoy the best water possible.

FAQs

• What’s the difference between chlorine and monochloramine?
  Chlorine has been used for over a century to disinfect water and kill harmful germs. Monochloramine is a more stable option made by mixing chlorine and ammonia. It creates fewer byproducts but can still affect taste and smell.
• How does activated carbon remove these chemicals?
  For chlorine, it breaks it down into chloride ions. For monochloramine, it takes a bit longer but eventually breaks it into nitrogen, water, and other safe compounds.
• Which carbon is best for monochloramine?
  Surface-enhanced carbon, like coconut shell-based carbon, works best because it’s designed for faster and more effective removal.
• How often should I change carbon filters?
  It depends on how much water you use and how dirty it is. Regular filter changes ensure your system works its best.
• Can carbon remove other things from water?
  Yes! Activated carbon can also remove odors, certain chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Take the next step toward cleaner, safer water with Freedom Water Systems. Reach out to us today to find the right filtration system for your home!