Why it's in your water
Chloramine holds a disinfectant residual over long distances, which matters for water that travels from Pompano Beach's plants through its system and into Lighthouse Point. Pompano Beach monitors chlorine residual with automatic analyzers in the distribution system. Its crews also occasionally run free chlorine treatments as routine maintenance, so taste and smell can change for a few weeks.
Why basic carbon falls short
Ordinary activated carbon removes free chlorine fairly quickly. Chloramine reacts more slowly, so it needs longer contact time or catalytic carbon. Pitchers and faucet filters rated only for chlorine may do little for chloramine. More in chloramine in city water: choosing a filter.
Remember that chloramine is kept at a residual on purpose, and levels vary with distance from the plant and how much water a neighborhood uses. The report's average is a system figure; your tap may read higher or lower.
Certification checklist
- NSF/ANSI 42 for chloramine reduction, with chloramine named in the listing.
- The exact model number on the certifier's listing.
- Rated capacity and flow that fit your home.
- Ask for the replacement interval based on your measured chloramine and use, not a generic calendar.
Options
| Option | Covers |
|---|---|
| Whole-home city water system | Every tap, shower, pool fill from a house line |
| Under-sink alkaline RO | Drinking and cooking water |
| Shower filter | One shower, limited contact time |
See whole-home filtration and under-sink RO.
Fish, bait and aquariums
Chloramine affects fish. If you keep an aquarium or a bait well filled from the tap, use a conditioner that neutralizes chloramine, and remember the occasional free chlorine periods change what you're treating.
Chloramine and your home's equipment
Chloramine also reaches the ice maker, coffee machine and any filters you already own. If you have a fridge filter or a pitcher, check whether its certification names chloramine, and replace it on time; an exhausted cartridge does little. For homes that want consistent results at every tap, a whole-home system sized for the house's flow is the more complete option, with RO in the kitchen if you also want lower dissolved solids. Jorge explains how each option would perform at the level he measures in your home.
Measure before choosing
Levels vary across the system. Jorge measures chloramine at your tap and recommends only what fits. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://cdn.pompanobeachfl.gov/city/pages/utilities/Final-2025-Water-Quality-Report.pdf
https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/residents/utilities/water
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist