Many cities now use chloramine—a mix of chlorine and ammonia—to disinfect drinking water. While it lasts longer than chlorine, it’s harder to remove and can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs. Chloramine may also cause lead to leach from older pipes. For homeowners, it can damage reverse osmosis membranes, shorten carbon filter life, and degrade water softener resin. To protect your health and systems, install a catalytic carbon pre-filter and replace filters regularly. Though chloramine keeps water safe from bacteria, it’s harsh on people and plumbing—making proper filtration essential for long-term clean, healthy water.