Home Blog Waterverontreinigingen How to Dechlorinate Tap Water?

How to Dechlorinate Tap Water?

door Dr. Jonathan Doyle - Updated January 07, 2026
Humans, ranging from an individual to a water plant, use chlorine to disinfect water and destroy any bacteria or other unpleasant microscopic organisms that might have contaminated their water. The principle here is quite simple: by using chlorine to destroy these microscopic organisms, you are making your water safe for drinking.
However, chlorine has its drawbacks too, as it can also leave your water with a sharp odor and unpleasant taste, and drinking too much chlorine can also have unpleasant side effects for your health. This has led many people to want to rid their water of chlorine before drinking.
So, you are probably wondering how to dechlorinate your water. Do you boil your water or use some other technique to get rid of chlorine? Well, let’s see.
a child washing hands
with tap water

How Does Chlorine Get into Tap Water?

Most often, a water treatment facility will use chlorine to disinfect your water before distributing it for use by households.
However, chlorine has its unpleasant side effects, as it also has a sharp odor and unpleasant taste. Drinking chlorinated water also has unpleasant side effects, as it irritates your skin whenever you come into contact with water containing chlorine. This has led many people to avoid chlorinated water in swimming pools, as they have sensitive skin.
However, for your water, it is important to learn how to remove chlorine so that your water can become clean and refreshing for drinking.

Is It Safe to Drink Chlorinated Water?

Most often, drinking small amounts of chlorinated water will have no unpleasant side effects for your health, the EU Drinking Water Directive has set limits for chlorine use so that your water will be safe for drinking.
However, many health-conscious Americans also prefer to rid their water completely of chlorine for their health. Drinking small amounts of chlorinated water every day has unpleasant side effects for your health, which are as follows:
  • Foul smell or odor
  • Nasty taste
  • Potential long-term health effects
  • Skin irritation
  • Allergic reactions
People also dechlorinate water to get fresh water for their plants and pets.

The Top 6 Methods to Dechlorinate Your Tap Water

The following are some of the common home remedies or techniques for dechlorinating water:

Leave the Tap Water Alone

Chlorine in water takes time to evaporate when it is exposed to air. A container of tap water left open will have no chlorine in 48 hours.
This method is best used for small quantities of water for pets or plants. However, it is not recommended for drinking purposes.
boil tap water with a
kettle

Boil the Tap Water

Boiling water also works as chlorine evaporates when exposed to air. Boil some tap water in a container for 15–20 minutes; by then, chlorine will have evaporated.

Filter the Water

The latest method of dechlorinating water is to make use of a filter that makes use of carbon to remove chlorine from water. There are many types of filters for this purpose:
  • A faucet-mounted filter
  • An undersink filter

Add Vitamin C to the Tap Water

Vitamin C also works as a dechlorinating agent as it neutralizes chlorine in an instant.
The general rule of thumb is about 1,000 mg of Vitamin C per gallon of water. This method is fast and chemical-free and can be used for drinking water, bath water, and even fish tanks.

Chemical Dechlorinators

Chemical dechlorinators can be purchased at an aquarium or pet store and work fast. They can be used for aquariums but not for drinking water unless food-grade.
Waterdrop X Series
reverse osmosis water filter

Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System

Another method is a reverse osmosis water filter system . This method can be very effective and can be installed under the sink or connected to your main water line, dechlorinating all water in your home. This method works by using a semi-permeable membrane to press water through and remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities from your water, providing you and your family with safe, healthy, and great-tasting water.

Can Reverse Osmosis Eliminate Chlorine from Tap Water?

Yes, a reverse osmosis water filter can eliminate chlorine from tap water. Some reverse osmosis water filters have a carbon filter as well, which removes chlorine and chloramines from the water. Waterdrop offers a safe and effective reverse osmosis water filter system for your home.

The Best Reasons to Use Dechlorinated Water

Reasons to use dechlorinated water include:
  • Healthy plants, as chlorine can kill beneficial soil bacteria
  • Safe fish tanks and marine life
  • Drinking water for birds, reptiles, and other chlorine-sensitive pets
  • Softer hair and skin after bathing when using RO or Vitamin C for shower and bath water
a woman drinking water

Conclusion

As we can see, there are many different ways to dechlorinate tap water. Some are more suitable for people with a tighter budget, while others are more suitable for people who are ready to spend money on quality water for their families, such as a reverse osmosis system. It is by far the best way to dechlorinate water.

FAQs

How long does it take for chlorine to evaporate from my tap water?

It takes 24–48 hours for chlorine to evaporate from an open container at room temperature.

Is boiling an effective way to evaporate chlorine from tap water?

Yes. Boiling water for 15–20 minutes will evaporate chlorine.

What is the quickest dechlorinating method?

Chemical dechlorinators or Vitamin C are the quickest methods for dechlorination.

Is it safe to drink dechlorinated water?

Yes. It is safe to drink dechlorinated water. Not only does it taste better, but it is cleaner, healthier, and can help prevent eye and skin irritations.

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Contaminants Detected in  Fruitland Water Special Service District
30
Contaminants
EXCEED EWG HEALTH GUIDELINES

30  Total Contaminants in Your Water

Water Provider

Fruitland Water Special Service District

Population Affected

120,000

Water Source

Ground water
Exceeds Guidelines

Others Detected

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