Causes, Concerns & Solutions
Have you ever turned on your faucet and noticed a strong chlorine or “swimming pool” smell? While it’s common for municipal water supplies to contain chlorine, an overpowering odor can make drinking, cooking, and even showering less enjoyable.
The good news? A chlorine smell doesn’t always mean your water is unsafe—but it can indicate that your water contains higher levels of chlorine than you’re comfortable with. Understanding why chlorine is present and how to reduce it can help you enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water every day.
Why Is There Chlorine in Drinking Water?
Municipal water treatment facilities add chlorine to disinfect drinking water. Chlorine is used to treat harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that could make people sick, especially since water travels through miles of underground pipes before reaching your home.
Why Does My Water Suddenly Smell Stronger?
If your tap water smells more like a swimming pool than usual, several factors could be responsible:
Seasonal Water Treatment
Many municipalities temporarily increase chlorine levels during certain times of the year to maintain water quality or perform routine maintenance on the distribution system.
Changes in Water Demand
Heavy rainfall, flooding, drought conditions, or increased water usage can affect how utilities treat water, sometimes resulting in more noticeable chlorine odors.
Water Sitting in Household Plumbing
If water remains in your home’s pipes for several hours—such as overnight—the chlorine odor may become more noticeable when you first turn on the faucet.
Individual Sensitivity
Some people naturally detect chlorine at much lower concentrations than others. Even when chlorine levels meet federal drinking water standards, you may still notice the taste or smell.
Is Chlorine in Drinking Water Safe?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chlorine levels in public drinking water, and properly treated municipal water and even though it is considered safe for everyday use, many homeowners prefer to remove it once the water reaches their home because of its taste, odor, or effects on skin and hair.
Signs Your Home May Have Too Much Chlorine
You may notice:
- Water that smells like a swimming pool
- Unpleasant taste in drinking water
- Dry or itchy skin after showering
- Hair that feels dry or brittle
- Coffee, tea, or cooking that doesn’t taste as fresh
- Pets reluctant to drink tap water
While these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate unsafe water, they often reduce overall water quality and enjoyment.
How to Remove Chlorine from Your Water
Fortunately, chlorine is one of the easiest water contaminants to treat.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters effectively reduce chlorine taste and odor, providing cleaner, fresher drinking water directly from your tap.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems provide advanced drinking water filtration by reducing chlorine and many other unwanted contaminants that may affect water quality.
Whole-House Water Filtration
If you’re concerned about chlorine while showering, bathing, or washing clothes—not just drinking water—a whole-house filtration system treats the water entering your home. This helps improve water quality throughout every faucet and appliance.
Start with a Professional Water Test
Every home’s water is different. The amount of chlorine you notice can vary depending on your location, water supplier, plumbing, and other water quality factors.
A professional water analysis can identify exactly what’s in your water and help determine the right treatment solution for your family’s needs.
Enjoy Better-Tasting Water Every Day
If chlorine taste or odor is affecting your home’s water, you don’t have to live with it. The right water treatment system can provide cleaner, better-tasting water while improving your overall home water experience.
Schedule a free water test today. Our certified water specialist will evaluate your water and recommend the best filtration solution for your home, so you can enjoy fresh, great-tasting water from every tap.
