FAQs

Washington Aqueduct Chloramine Facts
As of November 1, 2000, Washington Aqueduct began using chloramine in addition to chlorine to disinfect the water it produces. The result will be a higher quality of drinking water. Following are some things you might wish to know about the change.

• What is the disinfection process?
• What is the current disinfectant used at Washington Aqueduct?
• In addition to providing disinfection, does chlorine participate in any other chemical reactions?
• Does the water currently meet EPA standards?
• Why then is a change necessary?
• What will Washington Aqueduct do to meet the provision of the new rule?
• What is chloramine?
• What are some of the advantages associated with this chloramine disinfectant?
• Is chloramine safe, and are there any negative effects to the changeover?
• Will there be some preparation for customers before the conversion?
• What methods are available to remove chloramine?
• Will reverse osmosis remove chloramine?
• Do home water softeners remove chloramine?
• What about fish tank owners?
• Are koi fish affected by chloramine like other fish?
• Are saltwater fish affected by chloramine?
• Does letting water sit for a few days remove chloramine from tanks or pond water?
• Will chloramine affect the way I treat my swimming pool?
• How are kidney dialysis patients affected by chloramine?
• What are Washington Aqueduct's customers doing to ensure that kidney dialysis centers are prepared?
• What should people with home dialysis machines do to remove chloramine?
• Is it safe for kidney dialysis patients to drink water containing chloramine?
• Can children and pregnant women drink chloraminated water?
• Can I use chloraminated water to prepare my baby's formula?
• Can people on low-sodium diets or with diabetes use chloraminated water?
• How about washing an open wound with chloraminated water?
• Who can I call if I have more questions?