Why does Dublin tap water smell like chlorine?

Columbus uses chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) rather than free chlorine for disinfection. Chloramines are more stable in the distribution system but produce a distinct chemical smell, especially in hot water and showers. Dublin water typically contains 2–4 mg/L of chloramines, which is within EPA limits but noticeable to sensitive individuals.

Will a Brita filter remove chloramines from Columbus water?

Standard pitcher filters like Brita use activated carbon, which removes free chlorine well but is largely ineffective against chloramines. Columbus water requires catalytic carbon — a modified carbon with a different surface structure that can break the chloramine bond. Whole-house catalytic carbon filters are the most effective solution.

Do I need both a whole-house filter and an RO system?

Not always. If your primary concern is drinking and cooking water, an under-sink RO system alone may be sufficient. If you also want to reduce the shower smell and protect appliances from chloramine exposure, a whole-house carbon filter addresses the entire home. Many Dublin customers choose both for more complete coverage.

Chloramine Dublin, Franklin County

The problem: chloramine taste and smell throughout the home

System: Whole-House Carbon Filter + 5-Stage RO SystemSource: City water (Columbus Division of Water)

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This example illustrates a common water-quality situation we encounter in Central Ohio homes. Individual water conditions and treatment recommendations vary by home.

The problem: chloramine taste and smell throughout the home

Columbus switched from chlorine to chloramines for water disinfection in the early 2000s. Chloramines are harder to remove than free chlorine — standard carbon filters and Brita pitchers don't fully address them. Dublin homeowners on Columbus city water often notice the smell most in the shower and when running hot water, which volatilizes chloramines more readily.

Strong chemical smell from every tap

Refused to drink tap water; spent $80/month on bottled water

Chloramine smell intensified in hot shower

Opened bathroom window year-round; kids complained of eye irritation

Coffee and tea tasted "off"

Used bottled water for all cooking and beverages

Brita filter didn't eliminate the taste

Replaced filters every 2 weeks; still unsatisfied

What the water test found

Chloramine level3.1 mg/L (EPA limit: 4 mg/L — technically compliant, but noticeable)

Water hardness13 gpg

Total dissolved solids310 mg/L mg/L

Water sourceCity water (Columbus Division of Water)

Technical note: Columbus uses chloramines rather than free chlorine because chloramines are more stable in the distribution system and produce fewer disinfection byproducts (DBPs) in the water main. However, chloramines require catalytic carbon — not standard activated carbon — for effective removal. Brita and most pitcher filters use standard carbon, which is why they underperform on Columbus water.

Two-stage solution: whole-house carbon + under-sink RO

Whole-house catalytic carbon filter

Purpose: Removes chloramines, chlorine, and volatile organic compounds from every tap, shower, and appliance in the home.

Catalytic carbon has a modified surface structure that breaks the chloramine bond — standard activated carbon cannot do this efficiently. Installed on the main supply line before the water heater.

5-stage reverse osmosis system (under kitchen sink)

Purpose: Removes remaining TDS, any residual disinfection byproducts, and produces near-pure drinking water at the kitchen tap.

5-stage system: sediment pre-filter → catalytic carbon block → RO membrane (removes 95–99% of dissolved solids) → post-carbon polishing filter → storage tank. Dedicated faucet installed at the sink.

Install time: 6 hours (both systems same day)

Results: immediate and lasting

Timeframe: 12 months

Metric	Before	After
Chloramine taste/smell	Strong at every tap	Undetectable
Shower experience	Chemical smell, eye irritation	No odor, no irritation
Drinking water TDS	310 mg/L	18 mg/L (RO output)
Bottled water spending	$80/month (~$960/year)	$0
Coffee and tea taste	"Off" — chemical aftertaste	"Better than any coffee shop"

Cost comparison

System cost

$2,400 installed (both systems)

Estimated 10-year savings

$9,600

Breakdown: Bottled water elimination ($9,600 over 10 years at $80/month). System pays for itself in under 3 years.

Frequently asked questions

Related resources

Dublin water quality guide Why Columbus water smells like chlorine Whole-house filter installation RO system installation All case studies

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