Chlorine or Chloramine? What's Really in Your Houston Water (And How to Remove It)

The Truth: Saying "Houston uses chloramine" is like saying "Texas is hot"—mostly true but misses important exceptions. Willow Chase uses chlorine. Many MUD districts still use chlorine. Some are converting this year. Others switch seasonally. This confusion costs homeowners thousands in wrong filters that don't work.

Does Houston Use Chlorine or Chloramine? (Featured Snippet)

Quick Answer: It depends on your location. City of Houston's main system uses chloramine (since 1984), but many MUD districts use chlorine, some are converting to chloramine in 2024, and others switch seasonally. Check your water provider or get a free test to know for sure.

The Complex Reality:

• City of Houston Main System: Chloramine since 1984
• 100+ MUD Districts: Mix of chlorine and chloramine
• Active Conversions: Many switching TO chloramine in 2024
• Seasonal Changes: Some switch for maintenance

Houston Area Water Disinfection Map (2024)

Districts Using CHLORAMINE

Districts Using CHLORINE

Districts CONVERTING in 2024-2025

How to Find Out What YOU Have

Method 1: Check Your Water Bill

Your water provider is listed on your bill. Look for:

• "City of Houston" = Chloramine
• "MUD" or "UD" number = Could be either
• "Willow Chase" = Chlorine
• Private well = You control it

Method 2: Call Your Provider

Ask specifically: "Do you use chlorine or chloramine?" Many are converting, so also ask: "Are you planning to switch?"

Method 3: Home Testing

Simple Smell Test:

• Strong pool smell = Likely chlorine
• Mild chemical smell = Likely chloramine
• No smell = Low levels of either

Test Strips:

• Total chlorine test strips: $15-30
• Shows combined chlorine (chloramine) vs free chlorine
• Results in 60 seconds

Method 4: Get Our Free Water Analysis

The Critical Difference: Chlorine vs Chloramine

Why This Matters for Your Filter Choice

The $500 Mistake

If You Have Chlorine: A $50 carbon filter works great If You Have Chloramine: That same filter does almost nothing

This is why knowing what you have is critical BEFORE buying a filter.

How to Remove Chlorine (If That's What You Have)

Good News: Chlorine is Easy to Remove

What Works for Chlorine:

• ✅ Standard activated carbon filters
• ✅ Basic pitcher filters (Brita, PUR)
• ✅ Refrigerator filters
• ✅ Simple shower filters
• ✅ Letting water sit 24 hours
• ✅ Boiling for 15 minutes
• ✅ Vitamin C filters

Recommended Chlorine Removal Systems

For Drinking Water:

• Basic carbon under-sink filter: $50-150
• Pitcher filter: $20-40
• Faucet filter: $20-50

For Whole Home:

• Standard carbon system: $800-1,500
• Removes chlorine from every faucet
• Lasts 3-5 years
• Simple maintenance

For Showers:

• Basic shower filter: $25-50
• KDF media filter: $30-60
• Vitamin C filter: $40-80

How to Remove Chloramine (If That's What You Have)

Bad News: Chloramine is Much Harder to Remove

What DOESN'T Work for Chloramine:

• ❌ Standard carbon filters (insufficient contact time)
• ❌ Basic pitcher filters
• ❌ Most refrigerator filters
• ❌ Boiling (concentrates it)
• ❌ Letting water sit (doesn't evaporate)
• ❌ Basic shower filters

What DOES Work for Chloramine:

• ✅ Catalytic carbon (enhanced carbon)
• ✅ Reverse osmosis systems
• ✅ Vitamin C filters (for showers only)
• ✅ Extended contact carbon beds

Recommended Chloramine Removal Systems

For Drinking Water:

• Under-sink RO system: $400-800
• Removes 97-99% of chloramine
• Also removes hardness and other contaminants
• Best overall solution

For Whole Home:

• Catalytic carbon system: $1,500-2,500
• Specialized media for chloramine
• 10+ minute contact time design
• 85-95% removal rate

For Showers:

• Vitamin C filter: $40-80
• Chemical neutralization (not filtration)
• 99% effective for bathing
• Must be replaced every 2-3 months

Cost Comparison: Chlorine vs Chloramine Treatment

Initial Investment

Why the Price Difference?

Chloramine requires:

• Specialized catalytic carbon (more expensive)
• Larger filter beds (more media)
• Slower flow rates (bigger systems)
• More frequent replacement (higher operating cost)

What If Your District is Converting?

The 2024 Conversion Wave

Many Houston MUDs are converting TO chloramine in 2024 because:

• Surface water integration requires chloramine
• Harris-Galveston Subsidence District mandates
• Reduced groundwater pumping requirements
• THM reduction regulations

What This Means for You

If your district is converting:

1. Your current chlorine filter will stop working
2. You'll need upgraded filtration
3. Water may taste/smell different during transition
4. Fish tank owners need immediate action

Conversion Timeline Example

Northwest Harris MUD 5 (March 2024):

• Week 1-2: Flush period with free chlorine
• Week 3: Begin chloramine introduction
• Week 4+: Full chloramine treatment
• Result: Standard filters no longer effective

Special Considerations by Houston Area

Inside the Loop (Chloramine)

• City of Houston water
• Chloramine since 1984
• Consistent 2-4 mg/L levels
• Need catalytic carbon or RO

MUD Districts (Mixed)

• Check your specific MUD
• Many still use chlorine
• Some converting in 2024
• Get tested to be sure

Rural/Well Water (Variable)

• You control treatment
• May add chlorine yourself
• No chloramine unless you add it
• Different treatment needs

Master-Planned Communities

Varies by developer and MUD:

• The Woodlands: Chloramine
• Katy area: Mixed (check your MUD)
• Sugar Land: Converting to chlorine (temporarily)
• Cypress: Many still chlorine

Decision Tree: Which Filter Do I Need?

Step 1: Identify Your Disinfectant

→ Don't know? Get our free test → Chlorine? Go to Step 2A → Chloramine? Go to Step 2B → Converting soon? Go to Step 2B

Step 2A: Chlorine Removal Options

Budget Option: Basic carbon filter ($50-150) Better Option: Whole-home carbon ($800-1,500) Best Option: RO for drinking + carbon for home

Step 2B: Chloramine Removal Options

Budget Option: Vitamin C shower filter + bottled water Better Option: Under-sink RO ($400-800) Best Option: Whole-home catalytic carbon + RO

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Assuming All Houston Uses Chloramine

Reality: Many areas still use chlorine. Test first.

Mistake #2: Buying Before Testing

Reality: Wrong filter = wasted money. Know what you have.

Mistake #3: Trusting "Removes Chlorine/Chloramine" Claims

Reality: Many filters remove chlorine but barely touch chloramine.

Mistake #4: Not Checking for Conversions

Reality: Your district might be switching this year.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Other Contaminants

Reality: Houston also has 8 GPG hardness, high TDS, and possible PFAS.

The Complete Houston Water Picture

What Else is in Your Water?

Besides chlorine OR chloramine, Houston water typically has:

• Hardness: 8 GPG average (some MUDs up to 13.8 GPG)
• TDS: 250-350 ppm
• pH: 7.8-8.2 (slightly alkaline)
• Possible PFAS: In some districts
• Seasonal variations: Drought affects everything

Comprehensive Treatment Approach

For Complete Protection:

1. Water softener for hardness
2. Appropriate filter for YOUR disinfectant
3. RO system for drinking water
4. Regular testing for changes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Houston water has chlorine or chloramine? Check your water bill for your provider. City of Houston uses chloramine, but many MUD districts use chlorine. You can also use test strips ($15-30) or get a free professional test to know for sure. Some districts are converting in 2024, so verify current status.

Why doesn't my filter work after my MUD converted to chloramine? Standard carbon filters designed for chlorine don't effectively remove chloramine. Chloramine requires catalytic carbon with 10+ minute contact time or reverse osmosis. When districts convert from chlorine to chloramine, you need to upgrade your filtration system.

What's the best filter for Houston water? It depends on your water source. For chlorine: standard carbon works ($50-150). For chloramine: you need catalytic carbon ($1,500-2,500) or RO ($400-800). For complete protection addressing Houston's hardness too, combine a water softener with appropriate filtration.

Is chloramine harder to remove than chlorine? Yes, chloramine is much harder to remove. Chlorine needs 2 minutes of carbon contact; chloramine needs 10+ minutes. Chlorine evaporates naturally; chloramine doesn't. This is why chloramine filtration costs 2-5X more than chlorine removal.

Which Houston areas still use chlorine? Willow Chase subdivision, many rural MUD districts, private well systems, and numerous smaller MUDs still use chlorine. Some districts also temporarily switch back to chlorine for maintenance. Check with your specific provider as many are converting to chloramine in 2024.

Take Action: Get the RIGHT Filter for YOUR Water

Don't Guess—Test

The difference between chlorine and chloramine means the difference between a $50 solution and a $500 solution. One simple test saves you from buying the wrong system.

The Bottom Line on Houston Water Treatment

Houston's water treatment landscape is complex and changing. The City uses chloramine, many MUDs use chlorine, others are converting, and some switch seasonally. This confusion leads to thousands of homeowners buying filters that don't work for their specific water.

The solution is simple: Test first, then treat. Whether you have chlorine (easy to remove) or chloramine (harder to remove), knowing what's in your water ensures you get the right solution the first time.

Don't waste money on the wrong filter. Professional testing and consultation ensures you understand exactly what's in YOUR water and how to treat it effectively.

Call (832) 844-7678 for your free water analysis and custom treatment report.

Houston area water treatment varies by location. Chlorine and chloramine require different filtration methods. Get tested to know what you have and what you need.