Does an Under Sink Water Filter Remove Chlorine?

Short answer: yes. A good under sink water filter with activated carbon (GAC) and KDF media removes chlorine, along with the taste and smell that come with it. Here's why chlorine is in your water, how an under sink filter removes it, and what to look for when you buy one.

Why is there chlorine in my tap water?

Most city water systems add chlorine to kill bacteria and other germs before the water reaches your home. It's an important public health step, but by the time the water comes out of your faucet, many people don't like the "pool" taste and smell it leaves behind.

How an under sink filter removes chlorine

Under sink filters connect to the cold water line beneath your kitchen sink, so every glass from your faucet passes through the filter. Two types of filter media do most of the work:

• Activated carbon (GAC) traps chlorine on its porous surface and improves taste and odor.
• KDF (a copper-zinc media) removes chlorine through a chemical reaction and keeps the filter resistant to bacteria growth.

Filters that combine both, like the USA-100 Under Sink Water Filter, get the benefits of each. Learn more in KDF vs. carbon water filters.

What about chloramine?

Some cities use chloramine (chlorine combined with ammonia) instead of chlorine because it lasts longer in the pipes. Chloramine is harder for standard filters to remove. Your water utility's annual water quality report will tell you which one your city uses. If it's chloramine, contact us and we'll help you choose the right filter.

What to look for in an under sink filter

• Multi-stage filtration: look for both carbon and KDF media.
• Capacity: a higher gallon rating means fewer replacements. The USA-100 is rated for 25,000 gallons.
• Bacteriostatic media: this keeps bacteria from growing inside the filter between uses.
• Easy installation: the best filters hook up to your existing water line and faucet.
• Replacement availability: if you're replacing a discontinued NSA 100S or 100SX, make sure the new filter is designed to take its place. See our NSA replacement guide.

Under sink vs. other options

An under sink filter treats water at your kitchen faucet. If you want chlorine out of your shower water too, add a KDF shower filter, or treat your whole home with a whole house system. Prefer not to install anything under the sink? The USA-50 countertop filter connects to your faucet in minutes.

Questions? Call 888-672-3458 or send us a message.