7 Best Chloramine Water Filters (*Update 2024)
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Jan 31, 2024
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Top Pick: What’s the Best Chloramine Water Filter?
The best chloramine water filter in 2024 is the SpringWell CF, because it reduces chloramine below the minimum detection level for 1,000,000 gallons of water. It also removes other (organic) contaminants and improves water aesthetics, is easy to install and maintain, and backed by a satisfaction guarantee and lifetime warranty.
As a water disinfectant, chloramine has replaced chlorine in many US municipalities. What to do if you don’t want chloramine in your water supply? Filter it out! But with an abundance of choices, it can be a whirlpool of confusion to find the ideal solution.
Good news is, our trusty guide, always up-to-date since June 2019, is here to rescue you and help you choose your ideal chloramine water filter. We’ve put over 33 systems through rigorous research, testing, and ranking, so you can enjoy crystal-clear water without a trace of chloramine. Cheers to pure refreshment!
Contents
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No Time to Read? Check Our List of the Best Chloramine Filters!
| Chloramine Filters | Details | |
|---|---|---|
 Best for Whole House: SpringWell CF Chloramine Water Filter |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
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Price: $$$ Type: Whole House Chloramine Reduction: Below Detectable Levels NSF: – Warranty: Lifetime (Limited) Read Review: Click Mike’s Video Review: Click |
 Budget Pick for Whole House: Kind Water Systems E-1000 |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
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Price: $$$ Type: Whole House Chloramine Reduction: Extremely High NSF: – Warranty: Lifetime (Limited) Read Review: Click Mike’s Video Review: Click |
 Best for Ease of Use: Clearly Filtered Pitcher |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
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Price: $ Type: Pitcher Chloramine Reduction: 99.7% NSF: 42, 53, 401, P473 Warranty: Lifetime (Limited) Read Review: Click Alexa’s Video Review: Click |
 Best for Under the Sink: Clearly Filtered 3-Stage |
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
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Price: $$ Type: Under Sink Chloramine Reduction: 95.3% NSF: 42, 53, 401 Warranty: Lifetime (Limited) Read Review: Click Alexa’s Video Review: Click |
 Best for Countertop/Gravity Chloramine Filtration: Big Berkey |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
|
Price: $$ Type: Gravity System Chloramine Reduction: >99.9% NSF: 42, 53 Warranty: 2 Years to Lifetime Read Review: Click |
 Best RO System for Chloramine: Aquasana OptimH2O |
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
|
Price: $$ Type: RO System Chloramine Reduction: 97.66% NSF: 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 Warranty: 2 Years Read Review: Click |
 Best for Chloramine-Free Showers: Sonaki |
Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
|
Price: $ Type: Shower Filter Chloramine Reduction: 99.9% NSF: – Warranty: ? Read Review: Click |
Chloramine Water Filter Reviews
Our Top Picks
- SpringWell CF – Best for Whole House
- Kind E-1000 – Best Budget Pick for Whole House
- Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher – Best for Ease of Use
- Clearly Filtered 3-Stage – Best for Under the Sink
- Big Berkey – Best for Gravity Filtration
- Aquasana OptimH2O – Best for Reverse Osmosis Water Purification
- Sonaki SUF-100V – Best for Showers
1. Best for Whole House: SpringWell CF Chloramine Filter
In our opinion, the best chloramine filter for whole house use in 2024 is the SpringWell CF. That’s because its massive filter tank is filled with catalytic carbon media, which is the preferred filter material when it comes to chloramine removal.
In fact, SpringWell guarantees chloramine and chlorine reduction below the minimum detection level for 1,000,000 gallons of water or 6 years.
What’s more, the SpringWell CF whole house water filter removes harmful chemicals like disinfection byproducts and heavy metals including lead. Healthy, odorless, and great-tasting water incoming! 5 stars!
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SpringWell CF Whole House Chloramine Water Filter |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Type: | Whole House |
| Chloramine Reduction: | Below Detectable Levels |
| NSF: | – |
| Warranty: | Limited Lifetime |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
Get 5% Off! Use Code: |
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Mike’s Video Review
Mike, one of our inhouse video content producers, has ordered, installed, and tested the SpringWell CF Whole House Water Filter in his own home – including lab testing for contaminant reduction rates. You cannot get more hands-on experience than that! Mike has documented the entire process and shares his findings the video below:
Other Specs
- Model: CF1, CF4, CF+
- Last Price: $1,016.44-$1,737.21
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: ~$40
- Filter Media: Catalytic Carbon + KDF
- Filter Stages: 2
- Flow Rate: 9-20 gpm
- Capacity: 1,000,000 gal
- WxHxD: 9-13″x52-58″x9-13″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-80 psi
- Fitting: 1″-1.5″
Key Features & Pros
- Top pick for city water treated with chloramine and/or chlorine.
- The sediment pre-filter rated at 5 microns traps large particles to not only protect your plumbing system but also the main filter tank from clogging.
- Catalytic carbon filters chlorine, chloramines, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, and industrial chemicals producing pristine tap water.
- Added copper-zinc alloy, called KDF-55, eliminates any leftover chlorine and several heavy metals while controlling microbes.
- Guaranteed chlorine & chloramine removal for 1 million gallons or 6 years, whichever comes first.
- 3 sizes to choose from:
- CF1 system provides 9 gpm (1-3 bathrooms).
- CF 4 is rated at 12 gallons of water per minute (4-6 bathrooms).
- CF+ maxes out at 20 gpm (6+ bathrooms).
- You don’t need to hire a plumber for the install, if you are handy with tools. Bypass valve included.
- For maintenance, all that’s needed is replacing the sediment filter annually or biannually. Replacement cartridges are cheap.
- SpringWell offers you to test the system for a full 6 months. During that period you can return it and claim a full refund if you’re unhappy.
- There’s a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Plastic fittings.
Our Rating
- Filtering Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price Tag: 4.0/5.0
- Yearly Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The SpringWell CF is best for people who want a whole house water filter for chloramine removal.
→ To Our In-Depth SpringWell CF Review
2. Low-Budget Whole House Filter Alternative: Kind E-1000
Compared to SpringWell, here is a more low-budget whole house chloramine filter system: The E-1000 by Kind Water Systems. It uses replaceable filter cartridges rather than a large filter tank. The catalytic activated carbon filter element is the one that removes chloramine – at a very high rate.
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Kind Water Systems E-1000 |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Type: | Whole House |
| Chloramine Reduction: | Very High |
| NSF: | – |
| Warranty: | Limited Lifetime |
|
Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
Get 5% Off! Use Code: |
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Mike’s Video Review
Mike, one of our inhouse video content creators, has ordered, plumbed in, and tested the Kind E-1000 whole house filter in his new home – including a water quality analysis for contaminant reduction rates. 100% hands-on experience! Mike has documented the entire process and shares his findings in the video below:
Other Specs
- Model: E-1000
- Last Price: $776.12
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: ~$145
- Primary Filter Media: Catalytic Carbon
- Filter Stages: 2
- Flow Rate: 15 gpm
- Capacity: 1 Year
- WxHxD: 15½”x29″x8″
- Water Temperature: 36-120 °F
- Water Pressure: 25-120 psi
- Fitting: 1″ FNPT
Key Features & Pros
- Made in America.
- First, the 5-micron sediment pre-filter (pleated) catches dust, sand, and other dirt so that the catalytic carbon filter stage is protected from clogging.
- Also keeps damage off your plumbing system.
- Catalytic carbon in block form removes chloramine, chlorine, and all kinds of harmful chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, PFAS, and VOCs.
- Water at 15 gallons per minute can be used on small to large households.
- Easy to install also thanks to detailed instructions.
- Filters last a full 12 months for reduced maintenance requirements and cost (~$145/year).
- Join AutoShip program for 15% off.
- Fast shipping.
- There is a 120-day money back satisfaction guarantee.
- Limited lifetime warranty + reliable customer support.
Cons
- We miss a built-in bypass valve.
Our Rating
- Filtering Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 4.0/5.0
- Price Tag: 4.0/5.0
- Yearly Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
If you are on a budget, the Kind Water Systems E-1000 is best for whole house use.
3. Best for Easy Use: Clearly Filtered Pitcher
In our opinion, the best chloramine water filter in the pitcher category in 2024 is the Clearly Filtered. Tested according to NSF standards, it has shown to remove a minimum of 99.7% chloramine from water. And the unit also removes more than 365 other contaminants, all according to standardized NSF testing, making it our #1 water filter pitcher overall.
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Clearly Filtered Pitcher |
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| Price: | $ |
| Type: | Water Filter Pitcher |
| Ability to Remove Chloramine: | 99.7% |
| NSF: | 42, 53, 401, P473 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime (Limited) |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
Get 10% Off! Use Code: |
|
Alexa’s Video Review
Alexa, our inhouse video content producer, has ordered and tested the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher with her own hands. In other words, she has assembled and used the pitcher at home for several weeks to gain invaluable first-hand experience and insights. Alexa has documented the entire process and shares her opinion in the video below:
Other Specs
- Model: CF-PRF
- Last Price: $90
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: ~$150
- Filter Media: Carbon + Composite Shell
- Storage Volume: 80 oz (10 Cups)
- Capacity: 100 gal
- WxHxD: 11.25″x10.25″x5″
- Weight (Empty): 2.3 lb
Key Features & Pros
- Ideal if you want drinking water that is healthy and tastes good.
- The filtration mechanism combines several types of filter media for broad contaminant removal. This is how more than 365+ water contaminants can be targeted, including: >99.7% chloramine, 99.5% chlorine, 99.3% lead, 97.8% chromium 6, 98.3% arsenic, >99.5% fluoride, up to 99.9% pesticides and herbicides, 99.9% of different pharmaceuticals, up to 99.9% VOCs, etc.
- The requirements for NSF 42, 53, 401, and protocol 473 were met or exceeded.
- Beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium are not filtered out.
- The 10-cup filtered water jug is large enough for families.
- The lid can be removed which makes refilling the water filter pitcher much easier.
- A water dam allows you to pour even if there’s water left in the upper tank.
- Medical-grade Tritan plastic doesn’t leach chemicals like BPA. Besides, it preserves the pure water’s taste.
- You get 100 gallons of filtered water out of each cartridge (up to 4 months) – a lot in comparison to how long other pitcher filters last.
- There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- The Clearly Filtered Pitcher gets shipped with a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Replacement filters are made in US and thus not cheap. If you subscribe and buy in bulk you get a discount.
- A few people had issues with slow filter speed and clogging.
Our Rating
- Filtering Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price Tag: 4.0/5.0
- Yearly Cost: 4.5/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The Clearly Filtered pitcher is best for people who want a chloramine filter that’s small, installation-free, easy to use, very effective, and affordable.
→ To Our In-Depth Clearly Filtered Pitcher Review
4. Best for Under the Sink: Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Water Filter
Want an under sink water filter to solve your chloramine problem for good? Try the Clearly Filtered 3-stage. In our opinion, it is the best on the market. Chloramine removal according to standardized NSF testing: 95.3%.
In addition, more than 230 other water contaminants can be filtered in a 3-stage filtration process. The end result is clean and healthy drinking.
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Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Under Sink Water Filter |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Type: | Under Sink |
| Ability to Remove Chloramine: | 95.3% |
| NSF: | 42, 53, 401 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime (Limited) |
|
Overall Rating: 5.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
Get 10% Off! Use Code: |
|
Alexa’s Video Review
As part of the BOS team, Alexa has installed and tested the Clearly Filtered Under-the-Sink Water Filter System in her own home and with her own hands. She has used the system for several weeks to gather genuine first-hand experience. And most importantly, Alexa has documented the entire process, including her findings and personal opinion, in the video below:
Other Specs
- Model: 3-Stage Under the Sink Water Filter System
- Last Price: $550
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: ~$440
- Filter Media: Carbon + Proprietary Blend
- Filter Stages: 3
- Capacity: 2,000 Gallons
- WxHxD: 15″x15.4″x3.1″
- Fitting: ⅜”
Key Features & Pros
- Apart from chloramine, the Clearly Filtered under sink water filter removes lead (98.9%), arsenic (94.3%), chromium 6 (99.4%) and other metals, chlorine (98.6%), pesticides (up to 99.9%), PFOA (99.6%), fluoride (90.7%), and dozens of volatile compounds.
- All tested according to NSF standards 42, 53, and 401.
- The 3-stage filter process combines various proprietary filter materials:
- Stage 1 uses GAC (granular activated carbon) derived from coconut shell.
- Both stage 2 and 3 use blends of filter media which the manufacturer does not disclose.
- Built in USA.
- Quality stainless steel hoses guarantee longevity.
- Installation is easy, fast, and non-permanent. Great especially for renters.
- You get 2,000 gallons of filtered water (up to 12 months) out of each filter cartridge.
- Keeps maintenance requirements at a bare minimum.
- Modular design + shut-off valves allow for tool-free filter changes. No need to close the cold water valve under your sink.
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee: You can return the product for a full refund.
- Limited lifetime product warranty.
Cons
- Made in USA and high quality doesn’t come cheap.
- Clearly Filtered estimates a drop in water pressure of 25-35% after installation.
Our Rating
- Filtering Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price Tag: 4.0/5.0
- Yearly Cost: 4.5/5.0
- Overall: 5.0/5.0
Best for
The Clearly Filtered 3-Stage is best for people who want an under sink water filter for removing chloramine, one that’s compact, easy to install and use, and very effective.
→ To Our In-Depth Clearly Filtered Under Sink System Review
5. Best for Countertop/Gravity Water Filtration Removing Chloramines: Big Berkey
The Big Berkey with its Black Berkey filter elements achieves >99.9% reduction of chloramines.
The gravity water filter system also gets rid of microorganisms, heavy metals, and chemicals among other stuff. In other words, clean drinking water is guaranteed.
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Big Berkey Gravity Water Filter |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Type: | Gravity/Countertop |
| Ability to Remove Chloramine: | >99.9% |
| NSF: | 42, 53 |
| Warranty: | 2 Years to Lifetime |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
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Other Specs
- Model: Big Berkey
- Last Price: $407.00
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: ~$55
- Primary Filter Media: Carbon
- Flow Rate: Up to 7 gph
- Storage Volume: ~2.25 Gallons
- Capacity: 3,000 gal
- WxHxD: 8.5″x21″x8.5″
Key Features & Pros
- Ideal for the average family.
- Thanks to high water storage capacity and filter speed, you always have filtered water at the ready. It also means less frequent refilling.
- Black Berkey filters remove lead, chromium, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, viruses, cyst, bacteria, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, chloramine, chlorine taste and odor, THMs, sediment…
- You can upgrade with optional PF-2 filter elements to boost fluoride and arsenic filtration.
- The main material is durable 304 food-grade stainless steel.
- Nothing leaches into your water.
- A gasket made from rubber protects your countertop from scratches.
- Putting the system together couldn’t be easier.
- Each Black Berkey cartridge has a service life of 3,000 gallons.
- They last at least one year. Keeps cost and maintenance needs low.
- Gravity system comes with a lifetime warranty. Filters are warranted for 2 years.
Cons
- You need to re-prime the Black Berkey filters regularly.
- Leaking from the bottom dispenser.
Our Rating
- Filtering Performance: 4.5/5.0
- Filter Life: 5.0/5.0
- Price Tag: 4.0/5.0
- Yearly Cost: 5.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The Big Berkey is best for people who want a gravity/countertop filter capable of eliminating chloramine ideal for home use and prepping.
→ To Our In-Depth Big Berkey Review
6. Best for Chloramine Removal Using Reverse Osmosis: Aquasana OptimH2O
The Aquasana OptimH2O is our top recommendation in 2024 when it comes to under sink reverse osmosis systems – this not only goes when you are looking for a water filter for chloramine which the unit reduces to 97.66% on average.
In fact, the OptimH2O is NSF-certified to eliminate 80+ harmful water contaminants, from disinfectants and their byproducts to heavy metals, chemicals, metalloids, and overall TDS.
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Aquasana OptimH2O Reverse Osmosis System |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Type: | RO System |
| Ability to Remove Chloramine: | 97.66% |
| NSF: | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 |
| Warranty: | 2 Years |
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Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
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Other Specs
- Model: OptimH2O
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: ~$240
- Primary Filter Media: RO
- Filter Stages: 4
- Membrane Rating: 35 gpd
- Recovery Rate: 29.43%
- Filter Life: 365 gal
- WxHxD (System): 12″x12.5″x4.5″
- Tank: 11″x16″x11″, 3.2 gal
- Water Temperature: 40-100 °F
- Operating Pressure: 40-100 psi
Key Features & Pros
- Affordable!
- 3-stage filtration process is certified according to NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 58, 401, and P473 – high effectiveness guaranteed.
- Combines activated carbon with reverse osmosis membrane and Claryum filter (mixture of activated/catalytic carbon + ion exchange resin).
- A remineralizer enriches the filtered water with healthy minerals which also improves taste and makes the water more alkaline.
- You can choose from different faucet designs at no additional cost.
- DIY installation is possible so you don’t need to spend your money on a plumber.
- Quick-connect fittings and easy-to-change filter cartridges make system maintenance a piece of cake.
- Aquasana offers a money-back guarantee for the first 90 days after purchase.
- The RO system is also protected by a two-year warranty.
Cons
- Reportedly issues with leaking and overall product quality.
- Annual cost: About $240 depending on your water conditions which is relatively expensive.
- You can partake in the Water for Life filter program to receive discounts.
- Slow flow rate and produces considerable amounts of wastewater.
Our Rating
- Filtering Performance: 5.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 4.5/5.0
- Price Tag: 4.0/5.0
- Yearly Cost: 4.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.5/5.0
Best for
The Aquasana OptimH2O is best for people who want an under sink RO system that’s easy to install, effective at reducing chloramine, and that provides remineralized drinking water.
→ To Our In-Depth Aquasana OptimH2O Review
7. Best for Chloramine-Free Showers: Sonaki SUF-100V
In our opinion, the best chloramine filter for showers in 2024 is the Sonaki SUF-100V. Claimed chloramine reduction: 99.9%.
The shower filter can achieve such a high reduction rate using vitamin C which neutralizes both chlorine and chloramines in water.
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Sonaki SUF-100V Chloramine Shower Filter |
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| Price: | $ |
| Type: | Shower Filter |
| Ability to Remove Chloramine: | 99.9% |
| NSF: | – |
| Warranty: | ? |
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Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0 ⓘRatings based on chloramine removal %, price, yearly cost, filtering capacity, NSF standards, support, product warranty, costumer feedback, and our testing among other factors.
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Other Specs
- Model: SUF-100V
- Yearly Maintenance Cost: ~$40-120
- Filter Media: Vitamin C
- Filter Life: 1-3 Months
- Fitting: ½” NPT
Key Features & Pros
- The Sonaki shower filter probably outperforms any other unit when it comes to chloramine removal. As water passes through the filter cartridge, vitamin C dissolves and neutralizes 99.9% of all chloramine (and chlorine).
- Vitamin C is natural pharmaceutical-grade and recovered from oranges to ensure highest quality.
- Can be upgraded with an additional 5-stage filter (Puremax) that removes contaminants including particles, rust, lead, phenols, chromium-6,and THMs.
- Brass material is durable.
- Installation is easy and your shower head will remain more or less at its old height. Thus, you can still stand comfortably.
- Cartridges are translucent so it’s easy to tell when all vitamin C is gone.
- Replacing the cartridges is fairly easy.
Cons
- Sonaki says one vitamin C cartridge lasts 2,640 gallons or 3-6 months, but this is unrealistic. The problem is that ascorbic acid quickly degrades in water. Thus it must not stay wet. But the filter doesn’t always drain properly.
- Most people need to install a new cartridge every 1-2 months which gets expensive over time.
- In order to prevent paying a fortune, you can refill and reuse the cartridges.
Our Rating
- Filtering Performance: 4.0/5.0
- Filter Life: 3.5/5.0
- Price Tag: 4.0/5.0
- Yearly Cost: 4.0/5.0
- Overall: 4.0/5.0
Best for
The Sonaki is best for vitamin C induced chloramine filtration.
More Reviews:
Comparison List
(Mobile Hint: Swipe to Scroll)
| Model | Price | Yearly Cost | Type | Chloramine Reduction | NSF/ANSI | Filter Media | Filter Life | Warranty | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SpringWell CF Whole House Water Filter | $$$ | ~$40 | POE | Below Minimum Detection Level | – | Catalytic Carbon + KDF | 1,000,000 Gallons | Limited Lifetime | |
| Kind Water Systems E-1000 | $$$ | ~$145 | POE | Very High | – | Catalytic Carbon | 1 Year | Limited Lifetime | |
| Clearly Filtered Pitcher | $ | ~$150 | Filter Pitcher | 99.7% | 42, 53, 401, P473 | Carbon + Composite Shell | 100 Gallons | Life | |
| Clearly Filtered 3-Stage | $$ | ~$440 | Under Sink Filter | 95.3% | 42, 53, 401 | Carbon + Proprietary Blend | 2,000 Gallons | Lifetime (Limited) | |
| Big Berkey | $$ | ~$55 | Gravity Filter | >99.9% | 42, 53 | Carbon | 3,000 Gallons | 2 Years to Life | |
| Aquasana OptimH2O RO System | $$ | ~$240 | RO | 97.66% | 42, 53, 58, 401, P473 | RO | 365 Gallons | 2 Years | |
| Sonaki Shower Filter | $ | ~$40-120 | Shower Filter | 99.9% | – | Vitamin C | 1-3 Months | ? |
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Chloramine Water Filter That’s Best for You
The following are key features worth considering when shopping for a chloramine water filter. They will help you choose the right on for your needs and budget.
Test Your Water
Start your endeavor by testing your water. Determine the level of chloramine and other common contaminants and potentially harmful contaminants.
Armed with this information, you can go out and search for the water filter best suited for your water conditions.
NSF Testing & Certifications
The next step is to look out for testing and certification according to NSF/ANSI standards. They guarantee that a filter model does in fact remove a certain contaminant, chloramine for example, from water in sufficient amounts.
Without standardized NSF lab testing, all you can do is trust manufacturers that their claims regarding the removal or reduction of said impurities are indeed valid.
For chloramine water filters, look for NSF Standard 53.
Type of Filter (Media)
In contrast to chlorine, chloramine is not the easiest substance to remove from water. Thus, the selection of filters and filter types you can choose from is limited. Above is a list of the most promising products currently in the market.
The best results can be achieved using a water filter featuring catalytic carbon.
Filtration Capacity & Water Flow Rate
Especially whole house water filters need to be able to provide enough filtered water at any given time – imagine you open your bathroom tap and turn on the shower and water pressure drops.
That’s why it is important to pay attention to water flow rates.
Furthermore, filter cartridges have a limited service life. Long lasting filters save you from frequent replacements which is often cost-saving and also much more convenient.
Installation + Maintenance
The amount of work required to install and service a water filter system depends first and foremost on its type. Obviously, a whole house water filtration system is more challenging to set up than a faucet water filter.
More on Chloramine Water Filters
Further Reading:
What Is Chloramine?
Chloramines are compounds of chlorine and ammonia. Although there are different forms, the one that you will find in your water supply is inorganic monochloramine (NH2Cl) since it’s very stable and thus can be used for water disinfection by municipal water supplies.
Water chloramination isn’t new. It has been applied in major cities of the United states since 1929. In 1998, research found that about 70 million Americans received tap water disinfected with chloramine.
Chloramines are also formed when chlorine reacts with ammonia introduced into water bodies by biological substances – think excrements, rotting leaves, and insects. These chloramines are why some swimming pools have that distinct chlorine smell.
Chloramine vs. Chlorine
Most communities use either chlorine or chloramine to disinfect water. In other words, chloramination is used an alternative to chlorination.
The reason is that chlorine is used up rather quickly in water systems. So it can happen that there is not enough chlorine left to kill germs in the water by the time it reaches your home. That’s where chloramine comes into play. It lasts longer and guarantees complete water disinfection all along the way.
And sometimes, communities even switch back and forth between chlorine and chloramine at different times of the year, mainly because chloramines are less effective at immediate disinfection than free chlorine.
Health Effects of Chloramines – Are They Safe?
Chloramines produce fewer halogenated disinfection byproducts than chlorine which is a clear advantage, since DBPs are known carcinogens.
However…
Toxicity of Chloramine
Chloramines themselves are toxic to fish and kidney dialysis patients.
What’s more, research suggests that chloraminated drinking water has the highest levels of currently unregulated iodoacids. Iodoacids are a group of chemicals that, by some experts, are considered to be likely the most toxic group of water treatment contaminants known today.
Chloramine disinfection can also lead to elevated nitrosamine levels. Nitrosamines are a chemical family associated with cancer and currently unregulated by the EPA.
On top of that, chloramine can leach lead from pipes, especially in areas with older housing. The toxic heavy metal will dissolve into your water and eventually enter your bloodstream, a serious health risk.
Other than that, chloramine can cause respiratory problems, it damages plumbing systems, fixtures, and household appliances, and it’s deadly to fish in aquariums and ponds.
How to Remove Chloramine from (Tap) Water?
Contrary to many people’s belief, skin contact contributes much more to our everyday chloramine exposure than ingestion. The same goes for chlorine.
Therefore, if you truly want to reduce your body’s daily chloramine load you won’t get around a shower filter, or even better a whole house filtration system that treats the water in your entire house.
How to remove chloramine from water? We have listed the different methods below, but only included those that actually make sense for water treatment at home:
- Carbon filtration– Activated carbon is perfect to filter chlorinated water. For chloramine, however, it won’t suffice. Well, actually it does, but it takes very long contact time and therefore bigger filters and/or slower water flow to achieve the desired results.
That’s where catalytic carbon filters come into play. Catalytic carbon is like activated carbon on steroids – at least that’s how we like to put it. Not only does it remove chloramine and chloramine byproducts up to four times faster than activated carbon, it’s also highly effective at reducing TTHMs and VOCs. The only downside is that catalytic carbon filters are about twice as expensive a regular carbon models. - Reverse osmosis – While the semipermeable reverse osmosis membrane does almost nothing to reduce chloramine content, the various carbon pre-filter stages that every RO system comes with will. The slow filtration speed adds to the effectiveness.
- Vitamin C– Vitamin C a.k.a. ascorbic acid can be used to reduce monochloramine to chloride and ammonia. In fact, before the rise of catalytic carbon, Vitamin C was used to dechlorinate water for dialysis and other medical applications. Furthermore, it has a long history in water treatment. Recently, vitamin C has become quite popular for use with shower filters. For drinking purposes, you can simply infuse your water with fresh fruit and let it sit for about 30 minutes to neutralize any possible chloramine. In case you like to bath, dissolving 1000 mg vitamin C will neutralize all chloramine in an average-sized bathtub. Just keep in mind that, since ascorbic acid is mildly acidic, the pH of your water will decrease, too.
- Ultraviolet light – UV light is also good for destroying chloramines in water. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and very low maintenance.
- Campden tablets – Not necessarily the best option for water used for drinking or cooking, but home brewers swear by Campden tablets, another chloramine reducing agent that contains either sodium metabisulfite or potassium metabisulfite (also referred to as “metabite”).
Regarding Ammonia
Carbon decomposes chloramine. The chlorine is then rendered harmless. However, the ammonia is left behind. So it might very well be that if you use a carbon filter to remove chloramine from your water, the ammonia content will increase.
What you can do about this is add an additional cation exchange media type filter, such as zeolite or a regular softening cartridge.
We will soon provide a guide on removing ammonia from water.
Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Chloramine?
Yes, purifying your water with the help of an RO system will reduce the amount of dissolved chloramine significantly.
Like we said, the RO membrane itself is not very effective at eliminating the water disinfectant. However, the various carbon pre-filter stages that basically every RO system is equipped with are. In addition, the slow processing speed increases contact time.
Another benefit of using a reverse osmosis system for chloramine removal is that the semipermeable membrane takes care of the ammonia.
Do Carbon Filters Remove Chloramines?
By far the best chloramine water filter is a whole house backwashing unit that utilizes catalytic carbon media. Regular carbon can also work. You just need to make sure that you have enough carbon, meaning large filters, to allow for sufficient contact time – the more carbon the better! You might also want to consider using multiple stages/tanks in a row.
Does a Water Distiller Remove Chloramine?
Yes, a water distiller does remove chloramine from water. In fact, distilled water is almost pure H2O.
Does Vitamin C Remove Chloramine?
Vitamin C neutralizes chloramines just as it neutralizes chlorine. The biggest benefit of this method is that vitamin C won’t add any unwanted chemicals or salts to your water.
The drawback is that ascorbic acid degrades within a couple of days rendering it useless.
Does Boiling Water Remove Chloramine?
Yes, boiling will help remove chloramine from water. For example, the time required to remove 50% chloramine from 10 gallons of water by boiling is roughly 27 minutes.
Boiling water for tea or coffee will remove about 30% chloramine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How long does it take for chloramine to evaporate from tap water?
Chloramine can be removed from water by simply letting it sit. The problem, however, is that this is a lengthy process. Why? Because monochloramine is relatively stable and does not dissipate fast. The half-life in standing water can be way above the 100-hour mark. Tip: The half-life can be greatly shortened by aeration or stirring. - How do I know if my water has chloramine?
You can test your water using a test kit or you can contact the utility. - Do Aquasana water filters remove chloramine?
It depends on what system you’re eyeballing. Aquasana’s OptimH2O reverse osmosis system, for example, is NSF certified to remove 97.66% chloramines. Then there is the Aquasana AQ-4000 countertop water filter that reduces chloramine to more than 97%.
As for the AQ-5300, chloramine reduction is insufficient. - Do Brita filters remove chloramine?
Brita filters are very popular because they are inexpensive. So, sorry to spoil the party, but Brita’s Standard and Elite filters are not certified for chloramine removal. The same goes for the Brita Complete – although this does not mean that they are completely ineffective against it. After all, they use activated carbon and both Brita pitchers allow for a long contact time. - How to remove chloramine from water for plants or fish?
Chloramines have to be removed from water for aquariums as well as hydroponic applications. This is because (A) it kills fish, chloramine goes directly from the water through the gills into their bloodstreams, and (B) it can inhibit plant growth.
For aquarium water, a common approach is to add sodium thiosulfate or another suitable additive into the water. The average tap water requires between 0.04 and 0.12 grams of crystalline sodium thiosulfate per gallon. Products are available online and at your local pet/aquarium supply store.
What you can also do is make use of carbon filtration as explained above. You need to be careful, though: The carbon won’t reduce ammonia content. In fact, it will actually increase ammonia levels. Thus, you must add a primer that converts the chemical into a safe, non-toxic form.
The same applies to a bunch of additives. If a product label mentions chlorine and chloramine but does not list ammonia, beware. Another agent might be required complementary.
How We Chose and Tested the Best Water Filters to Remove Chloramine (Why Trust Us)
This was (and still is) our review process when we dove headfirst into the world of chloramine-busting water filters:
- First, we handpicked 19 crucial features to would hopefully allow us to separate the best and most effective filters from the rest.
- Second, we threw 33+ systems into the ring.
- Third, we dug through manuals and product descriptions including warranty information.
- We interrogated companies, grilling them like a barbecue on a hot summer day.
- Finally, with certifications from big names like NSF, WQA, and IAPMO, we were able to shrink our list down to the top 15 filters.
- We then listened to real users and their product ratings to get the cream of the crop.
- We also got our own hands dirty testing 3 of the remaining chloramine filters (more are to come) with actual city water. Once properly installed according to instructions, contaminant reduction rates were tested using the popular Tap Score service which basically lets you analyze a sample of your water for impurities in a lab. In addition, we used each water filter for 2+ weeks paying attention to how the filtered water would taste and smell, how fast we would get it, ease of use – you name it.
- Last but not least, we created this comprehensive guide. Our goal was that finding one’s ideal chloramine water filter would be a piece of cake.
And don’t worry, our ratings and recommendations are as unbiased as a robot with no personal preferences. Also, Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS played a significant role in assessing claims of reducing contamination (chloramine among other), which necessitated thorough online verification of NSF certifications and other data such as lab reports.
About Our Ratings
Right now, our evaluation process for water filters removing chloramine is based on these critical factors: NSF-based chloramine reduction rates (30%), upfront and yearly cost (25%), user feedback and direct testing (20%), filter capacity (15%), customer service & product warranty (10%).
We’ve rated each filter on a score of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating.
Questions? Ask away!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.