Why Does My Tap Water Taste Like Chlorine — and How Do I Get Rid of It?
Your tap water tastes like chlorine because your water authority adds chlorine (or chloramine) to disinfect the supply. It’s completely normal and a sign the water has been treated to be safe. The easiest way to remove the chlorine taste is to filter the water through activated carbon, which adsorbs chlorine on contact and leaves water tasting clean and crisp.
Why is there chlorine in my tap water?
Chlorine is the most common disinfectant used to keep drinking water free of bacteria as it travels through kilometres of pipes. Some areas use chloramine (chlorine combined with ammonia) for longer-lasting disinfection. Both do an important safety job — but both leave a taste and smell.
Why does the chlorine taste get stronger sometimes?
- Mains maintenance: Utilities often boost chlorine after pipe work.
- Warmer weather: Higher temperatures can increase dosing.
- Your location in the network: Homes closer to the treatment plant sometimes notice it more.
How to remove the chlorine taste from tap water
- Activated-carbon filter (best): Removes chlorine taste and odour instantly as you pour. A tap-mounted carbon filter is the most convenient option.
- Let it sit / chill it: Leaving water in an open jug in the fridge lets some chlorine dissipate — slow, and it doesn’t work for chloramine.
- Filter jug: Helps, but is slow and needs frequent cartridge changes.
If you want the chlorine taste gone for good without thinking about it, a tap-mounted carbon filter is the simplest fix. See PureFlow →
Frequently asked questions
Is chlorine in tap water bad for you?
At the low levels used to treat Australian drinking water, chlorine is considered safe. Most people filter it for taste and smell rather than safety.
Does boiling remove chlorine?
Boiling removes some free chlorine but not chloramine, and it won’t remove sediment or metals. Carbon filtration is faster and more thorough.