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Helix
Water District has been using ozone as its primary disinfectant
since 2002. Chloramines, a combination of chlorine and ammonia,
are added to the water at the end of the treatment process
in order to maintain a disinfection residual. Below are some
answers to frequently asked questions on chloramines. If you
have further questions, please call our senior chemist at
619-667-6248 or after-hours emergency at (619) 466-3234.
What are chloramines?
Chloramines are a combination of chlorine and ammonia and
are one of several U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
approved disinfectants used to remove pathogenic (disease
causing) microorganisms in water. (1)
What are the benefits of chloramines vs chlorine?
Chloramines last longer than chlorine in water and as a result
are better able to control microbiological growth and contamination.
Chloramines create fewer byproducts, such as trihalomethanes
(THMs). THMs form when chlorine mixes with natural organic
substances in water. Generally, chloramines create far less
taste and odor complaints than free chlorine alone. Additionally,
Helix Water District uses ozone as part of its treatment process,
further reducing taste and odor issues.
Are chloramines safe?
Yes, chloramines have been safely used in the United States
since the early 1900s, and are commonly used in southern California,
across the nation, and worldwide. Chloraminated water is safe
for the general public and for people with suppressed immune
systems or other diseases. Like chlorine, chloramines will
be safe for everyday uses like drinking, bathing and cooking
for people, dogs and cats. However, as with chlorine, chloramines
must be removed or neutralized for aquatic animals and kidney
dialysis patients. (2)
How do I keep my aquatic animals safe?
Just like chlorine, chloramines can harm all saltwater and
freshwater fish, shellfish, amphibians and some reptiles because
they take chloramines directly into the bloodstream through
their gills or skin. Pond and aquarium owners should purchase
a water conditioner or filter to remove chloramines. Pet supply
stores, aquarium shops and veterinarians can advise customers
on the best treatments for tanks and ponds.
Fish owners click here.
Please note that although boiling water, reverse osmosis,
salt additives, and letting water sit for a few days are practices
sometimes used to remove chlorine, they do NOT remove chloramines.
How do chloramines affect kidney dialysis patients?
Like chlorine, chloramines can harm kidney dialysis patients
if they are not removed before water mixes with the patient's
bloodstream. However, kidney dialysis patients can safely
drink chloramines because the body naturally neutralizes them
before they enter the blood stream.
How do I remove chloramines for home brewing or home photo
labs?
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filters can be used to remove
chloramines and other byproducts if the filter is followed
by a reverse osmosis process. Several companies offer GAC
filters and systems in San Diego county. Carbon filters need
to be changed often.
Is it safe to wash an open wound with chloraminated water?
Yes. It is safe to use chloraminated water in cleaning an
open wound. (1 & 2)
What can I do for plumbing parts that may corrode due to
chloramines?
As rubber plumbing parts wear out, consumers should replace
rubber plumbing components with chloramines-resistant materials
such as: high quality rubber (synthetic polymer) parts, flexible
copper tubing, tubing made of corrugated stainless flex, or
newer neoprene braided stainless steel.
References:
1)- Environmental Protection
Agency. 1994. Drinking Water Criteria Document For Chloramines
Final Draft ECAO-CIN-D002. March, 1994.
http://www.epa.gov/ncea/pdfs/water/chloramine/dwchloramine.pdf
2)-
U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services. NTP TR 392 Toxicology and Carcinogenesis
Studies of Chlorinated Water (CAS Nos. 7782-50-5 and 7681-52-9)
and Chloraminated Water (CAS No. 10599-90-3) (Deionized and
Charcoal-Filtered) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Drinking
Water Studies) March 1992.
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