What are Chloramines?
Chloramines are a chemical disinfectant formed by combining free chlorine with ammonia. Over 60% of major US municipalities (including Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio) use chloramines because they produce fewer regulated disinfection byproducts (like THMs) than free chlorine.
Why Standard Pitcher Filters Cannot Remove Chloramine
Standard carbon pitcher filters rely on basic granular activated carbon (GAC), which removes free chlorine quickly but requires up to **10 times more contact time** to break down chloramine's strong chemical bond. Water flows through pitcher filters too quickly, leaving chloramines intact.
The Solution: Catalytic Carbon & Reverse Osmosis
To effectively eliminate chloramines and ammonia off-tastes, homeowners must use **Catalytic Carbon** (specially processed activated carbon with high electron transfer capabilities) or Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems.