Most U.S. households have chlorine in their tap water because 86% of homes receive water from a municipal supplier that uses chlorine as a disinfectant to treat microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.

However, chlorine can also be harmful to human health and the environment. There are several natural ways to remove chlorine from tap water for safer and healthier drinking water. It’s important to research and find the best solution for your individual needs.
One option is to boil your water for approximately 15 minutes. At room temperature, boiling water will release all the chlorine from tap water. Chlorine gas weighs less than air and will evaporate during the boiling process, leaving behind clean water.
However, boiling water every day for drinking water is not always practical. If your goal is to dechlorinate a sizeable amount of water, boiling may not be the most viable solution.
Another option is to use activated carbon filters, also known as charcoal filters. These filters, commonly found in pitchers and faucet attachments, remove chlorine from water by adsorption.
Adsorption occurs when molecules and ions in the water adhere to the surface of the carbon filter. Carbon filters come in various forms and can be used in at-home water filtration systems or in larger industrial settings.
Activated carbon filters can be found in pitcher-style water filtration systems, faucet attachments, or whole-house systems for larger quantities of water.
For a more eco-friendly option, try using sun exposure to remove chlorine from your water. Fill a clear glass container with tap water and leave it exposed to the sun for several hours. This allows the chlorine gas to evaporate off naturally. It may not be as effective in removing chemicals as a carbon filter, but it is an easy and cost-efficient solution for small quantities of water.
The UV rays from the sunlight will break down chlorine molecules and other chemicals in the water , leaving behind clean water. However, it is important to note that this method may not be effective in removing all chemicals and should not be relied upon as a primary source of clean drinking water.
Overall, there are several natural methods for removing chlorine from water. Choose the option that best fits your needs, whether it be boiling, using activated carbon filters, or exposing the water to sunlight.
How to naturally purify water at home
Contaminants like lead, copper, and chlorine are just a few of the things that can make your water less than ideal for drinking. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to purify your water naturally so that you can feel confident about what you’re putting into your body.
Let’s now look at a number of ways to purify your water at home:
1. Boiling – A tried and true method, simply bring your water to a rolling boil for one minute to effectively kill off any bacteria or microbes. Keep in mind that boiling will not remove chemicals or dissolved solids, so you may want to combine this method with another option.
2. Using a carbon filter – Whether it’s in pitcher form or attached to your faucet, carbon filters use activated charcoal to remove contaminants and improve the taste. Just make sure to replace the filter according to manufacturer’s instructions for optimal effectiveness.
3. Sun exposure – Fill a clear glass container with water and leave it out in the sun for several hours. The UV rays will break down and eliminate some contaminants, but they may not be as effective as other methods.
4. Distillation – This process involves boiling the water to turn it into vapor and then collecting the vapor in a clean container, leaving behind any impurities. This can be done on a smaller scale with a distillation kit, or on a larger scale with industrial equipment.
5. Water Purification System – If you’re looking for a more high-tech option, investing in a water purification system can be a great way to ensure clean and safe drinking water.
6. Clay Vessel Filtration – This ancient method involves filtering water through a porous clay vessel, removing impurities and improving taste.
7. Reverse Osmosis – Another water purification method, reverse osmosis forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove impurities. Reverse osmosis systems are known to work well in removing a wide range of contaminants, but can be costly and require regular maintenance.
In using any of these methods, it is important that you use clean containers and follow the recommended guidelines below to ensure you’re getting the best results, no matter which method you choose.
Below are some recommendations for water purification:
- Boil your water for at least 1 minute, letting it cool before use.
- Use a disinfectant such as chlorine or iodine to treat your water. Remember to let it sit for 30 minutes before use.
- Distill your water using a distiller machine or distillation kit.
- Replace carbon filters according to manufacturer instructions.
- Follow maintenance guidelines for reverse osmosis systems or water purification systems.
- Clay vessels should be cleaned and recharged every three months.
No matter which method you choose, it’s always a good idea to have an alternative source of clean drinking water, such as bottled water or emergency purification tablets, in case your primary method is not available. By taking the steps to purify your water at home, you can enjoy clean and safe drinking water every day.