Chloramine VS Chlorine, opinions and experiences solicited..

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Posted by JohnT on April 08, 2001 at 13:06:54:

Well, Guys, I need a consensus opinion. My municipal water company just sent us a letter and brochure explaning that our water would soon be disinfected with chloramine (a chlorine-ammonia compound) instead of chlorine. Apparently this is being done because trihalomethanes, a byproduct of chlorine disinfection, are suspected of being carcinogins. Chloramines are not so suspected, and are recommended by the EPA. This compound is used in MANY municipal water supplies today as a disinfectant.

Here is my conundrum: The brochure states that there are two groups of people that must take precautions because of this change. kidney dialysis patients, and fish owners. The reason for this is that, unlike chlorine, chloramines DO NOT dissapate over time by allowing the water to stand. Removing chloramines requires passing the water through a filter specially designed for chloramines, or through activated charcoal. So far, so good, right? Well, read on.

Under the section of the brochure dealing with the special precautions fish owners must take, is this sentence: "Chloramines are toxic to fish, REPTILES, turtles (also reptiles the last time I checked), and amphibians - just as chlorine is toxic - and must be removed" Now the conundrum: To remove, or not to remove. If this compound's use is as widespread as this brochure says, many of you are using it, and may not know it. I haven't seen any posts on chloramine poisioned igs lately, nor have I seen anything from vets or others on this issue.

Now, of course I don't mind using bottled water or buying some chloramine removal equipment if necessary, but is this necessary, or has this brochure caused my hackles to rise unnecessarily? I do intend to call the water company, but I'm sure the answer will be the most PC answer, not necessarily the best one.

So I apologize for the length of this, and am asking for your experiences and input. When it comes to igs, there's no place like Kingsnake...

Thanks,

John

Follow Ups:

Another possible option.... Mr. D 04/08/01 (2)
- Re: Another possible option.... JohnT 04/08/01 (1)
  - Re: Another possible option.... Mr. D 04/08/01 (0)
Re: Chloramine VS Chlorine, opinions and experiences solicited.. xta 04/08/01 (0)
Re: Chloramine VS Chlorine, opinions and experiences solicited.. Travis 04/08/01 (1)
- Thanks for the quick response, Travis.... JohnT 04/08/01 (0)

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: Well, Guys, I need a consensus opinion. My municipal water company just sent us a letter and brochure explaning that our water would soon be disinfected with chloramine (a chlorine-ammonia compound) instead of chlorine. Apparently this is being done because trihalomethanes, a byproduct of chlorine disinfection, are suspected of being carcinogins. Chloramines are not so suspected, and are recommended by the EPA. This compound is used in MANY municipal water supplies today as a disinfectant. : Here is my conundrum: The brochure states that there are two groups of people that must take precautions because of this change. kidney dialysis patients, and fish owners. The reason for this is that, unlike chlorine, chloramines DO NOT dissapate over time by allowing the water to stand. Removing chloramines requires passing the water through a filter specially designed for chloramines, or through activated charcoal. So far, so good, right? Well, read on. : Under the section of the brochure dealing with the special precautions fish owners must take, is this sentence: "Chloramines are toxic to fish, REPTILES, turtles (also reptiles the last time I checked), and amphibians - just as chlorine is toxic - and must be removed" Now the conundrum: To remove, or not to remove. If this compound's use is as widespread as this brochure says, many of you are using it, and may not know it. I haven't seen any posts on chloramine poisioned igs lately, nor have I seen anything from vets or others on this issue. : Now, of course I don't mind using bottled water or buying some chloramine removal equipment if necessary, but is this necessary, or has this brochure caused my hackles to rise unnecessarily? I do intend to call the water company, but I'm sure the answer will be the most PC answer, not necessarily the best one. : : So I apologize for the length of this, and am asking for your experiences and input. When it comes to igs, there's no place like Kingsnake... : Thanks, : John

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