Why Is Chloramine Added to Drinking Water?

Chloramination is the process of adding chloramine to drinking water to disinfect it and kill germs. It is sometimes used as an alternative to chlorination. Chloramines are a group of chemical compounds that contain chlorine and ammonia.

Why is chloramine better than chlorine for sterilization of water?

Chloramine is less volatile than chlorine, so it stays in the water longer than chlorine, which ensures that all areas of the distribution network are properly disinfected. ... Chloramine is less reactive with naturally-occurring organic matter, so it produces lesser amounts of DBPs.

Is chloramine toxic to humans?

Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia. ... Chloramines are all respiratory irritants with trichloramine being the most toxic (order of toxicity: monochloramine < dichloramine < trichloramine-most severe.) In contrast to what water utilities claim, it is impossible to have only monochloramine.