Why Does Columbus Tap Water Smell Like Chlorine?
Columbus water is treated with chloramine — a chlorine compound used for disinfection. It's safe, but it affects taste, odor, skin, and hair. Here's what you need to know.
The Plain-English Explanation
Columbus water comes from the Scioto River and Hoover Reservoir. Before it reaches your tap, it's treated at the Dublin Road and Hap Cremean Water Plants — and part of that treatment involves adding chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia.
Chloramine is used instead of chlorine alone because it's more stable. It stays active longer as water travels through miles of pipes to reach your home, which means better protection against bacteria throughout the distribution system.
The downside: chloramine has a distinct chemical smell, it's harder to remove than free chlorine, and it can irritate skin and eyes — especially for people who shower in it every day.
Important: standard Brita filters don't remove chloramine
Most pitcher filters and refrigerator filters are designed for free chlorine. Columbus uses chloramine, which requires a carbon block filter specifically rated for chloramine removal. If your filter isn't rated for chloramine, it's not doing much for the smell or taste.
How to Remove Chlorine Smell from Columbus Water
The right solution depends on whether you want to treat drinking water only, or your whole home.
Whole-House Carbon Filter
Best for whole-home treatmentRemoves chloramine at the point of entry — every faucet, shower, and appliance in your home gets filtered water. The most comprehensive solution for Columbus homes.
Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis
Best for drinking waterRemoves chloramine, chlorine, PFAS, nitrates, and more at the kitchen tap. Pairs well with a whole-house softener for complete water treatment.
Whole-House Softener + Filter Combo
Best overall solutionAddresses both hard water (17 gpg) and chloramine in one system. Most Columbus homeowners who want the full solution choose this combination.
Common Questions
Why does Columbus tap water smell like chlorine?
Columbus water is treated with chlorine and chloramine at the Dublin Road and Hap Cremean Water Plants. These disinfectants are added to kill bacteria and viruses before the water reaches your home. The smell is strongest right out of the tap and fades as the water sits — but in many homes it's noticeable enough to affect taste and the showering experience.
Is chlorine in Columbus tap water safe?
Yes — the chlorine levels in Columbus municipal water are within EPA-approved limits and are safe to drink. However, chlorine and chloramine can cause skin and eye irritation, dry out hair, and affect the taste of drinking water and coffee. Many Columbus homeowners choose to filter it out for comfort and taste reasons, not safety.
What is chloramine and why does Columbus use it?
Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia. Columbus uses chloramine as a secondary disinfectant because it's more stable than chlorine alone — it stays active longer in the distribution system and produces fewer disinfection byproducts. The tradeoff is that chloramine is harder to remove than free chlorine and requires a carbon filter specifically rated for chloramine removal.
Does a Brita filter remove chlorine from Columbus water?
A standard Brita pitcher filter will reduce free chlorine and improve taste. However, it is not effective at removing chloramine, which is what Columbus primarily uses. For chloramine removal, you need a whole-house carbon filter or an under-sink filter with a carbon block rated for chloramine. Pure Aqua can test your water and recommend the right system.
What is the best way to remove chlorine smell from Columbus tap water?
For drinking water, an under-sink reverse osmosis system or a carbon block filter rated for chloramine is the most effective solution. For whole-home treatment — including showers and laundry — a whole-house carbon filter removes chloramine at the point of entry before it reaches any faucet or appliance. Pure Aqua offers free in-home water tests to confirm your chlorine and chloramine levels before recommending a system.
Can chlorine in shower water damage hair and skin?
Yes. Chlorine and chloramine strip natural oils from skin and hair, contributing to dryness, irritation, and dull hair. Many Columbus homeowners notice a significant improvement in skin and hair condition after installing a whole-house carbon filter or a shower filter rated for chloramine removal.
Want to Know Exactly What's in Your Water?
Pure Aqua tests for chlorine, chloramine, hardness, iron, pH, TDS, and more — right at your tap. Free, no obligation, and we walk you through every result on the spot.