Chloride in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It

Chloride is an inorganic contaminant commonly found in drinking water sources. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 250 mg/L for this substance. This guideline is primarily intended to manage aesthetic issues and protect infrastructure rather than address acute toxicity.

Health Effects

Elevated levels of chloride in drinking water can impart a noticeable salty taste, making it unpleasant to drink. In addition to aesthetic concerns, high chloride concentrations can cause corrosion in household pipes and plumbing systems. It is not associated with acute health risks, and concerns are focused on taste and infrastructure damage.

How Chloride Gets Into Tap Water

Chloride can enter water supplies through natural mineral deposits in the ground. It is also introduced to the environment through human activities such as road salting during winter weather. Sewage discharges can further contribute to the level of chloride in local water resources.

How to Remove Chloride From Your Water

To remove chloride from drinking water, homeowners can utilize specific water treatment methods. Reverse osmosis and distillation are common and effective technologies for reducing chloride levels in tap water. These treatment systems can help improve the water's taste and protect pipes from corrosion.

Should You Test Your Water?

You can check chloride levels in your tap water by reviewing your local water utility's consumer confidence report or searching on WaterQ. If you use a private well, periodic testing for inorganic substances like chloride is a practical way to monitor water quality. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Chloride data page for reported levels in your area.

Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.