How to Dechlorinate Tap Water

Humans — from individuals at home to large municipal water treatment plants — commonly use chlorine to disinfect water. Its job is to kill bacteria and other microscopic organisms that may contaminate the supply. The basic idea is simple: chlorine helps make tap water safer to drink.

However, chlorine also comes with a few downsides. It can leave water with a strong chemical smell and an unpleasant taste, and in some people, frequent exposure may cause irritation or sensitivity. That’s why many Australians prefer to remove chlorine from their drinking water before using it. So, how do you dechlorinate tap water? Should you boil it, filter it, or try another method? Let’s take a closer look.

In most parts of Australia, local water authorities add small amounts of chlorine to the public water supply to disinfect it before it reaches homes.This helps protect against harmful microorganisms and keeps water safe during distribution.

That said, chlorine can also cause side effects such as:

• A noticeable odour
• A sharp taste
• Skin irritation for sensitive individuals

Some people experience dryness or irritation after showering or swimming in chlorinated pools, especially those with eczema or sensitive skin. For many households, removing chlorine can make water taste fresher and feel gentler for everyday use.

For most people, drinking small amounts of chlorinated tap water is generally considered safe. Australian drinking water guidelines regulate how much chlorine can be used, ensuring levels remain within acceptable limits.

Still, many health-conscious Australians prefer to reduce or remove chlorine entirely for comfort and taste. Some common concerns linked with chlorinated water include:

• Strong smell or odour
• Unpleasant taste
• Potential long-term exposure concerns
• Skin irritation
• Allergic-type reactions in sensitive people

People also dechlorinate water for pets, houseplants, and aquariums, since chlorine can be harmful to animals and beneficial bacteria.

Related article: What Are PFAS? A Complete Beginner’s Guide for Australian

Here are some of the most common home methods for removing chlorine from water.

Chlorine naturally evaporates when water is exposed to air. If you leave a container of tap water uncovered, most chlorine will dissipate within 24–48 hours. This method works best for small amounts of water, such as for pets or watering plants, but it’s not the most practical option for daily drinking water.

Boiling is another effective way to remove chlorine, since heat speeds up evaporation.

To dechlorinate water:

• Bring tap water to a boil
• Continue boiling for about 15–20 minutes

After that, much of the chlorine will have evaporated.

One of the easiest modern solutions is using a water filter designed to reduce chlorine. Many carbon-based filters can significantly improve taste and odour.

Common options include:

• Faucet-mounted filters
• Under-sink filtration systems

This is one of the most convenient methods for Australian households.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a natural dechlorinating agent that neutralises chlorine almost instantly.

A general guideline is:

• Around 1,000 mg of Vitamin C per gallon (about 3.8 litres)

This method is fast, chemical-free, and suitable for:

• Drinking water
• Bath water
• Fish tanks

Chemical dechlorinators are often sold in aquarium or pet stores and work very quickly. They are mainly intended for fish tanks and aquatic use, and should not be used for drinking water unless specifically labelled food-grade.

A highly effective long-term option is installing a reverse osmosis (RO) filtration system . RO systems can be fitted:

• Under the kitchen sink
• To the main water line for whole-home filtration

Reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to remove chlorine, heavy metals, and other impurities, providing cleaner, better-tasting water for your household.

Yes — reverse osmosis systems can effectively eliminate chlorine from tap water.

Many RO units also include activated carbon stages, which are especially good at removing chlorine and chloramines. Waterdrop offers reliable reverse osmosis filtration systems that provide fresh, great-tasting water for Australian homes.

Dechlorinated water can be beneficial for:

• Healthier plants (chlorine can harm soil bacteria)
• Safe aquariums and marine life
• Drinking water for birds, reptiles, and chlorine-sensitive pets
• Softer hair and skin after bathing when using RO or Vitamin C methods

There are many ways to remove chlorine from tap water, ranging from simple low-cost methods like letting water sit, to advanced solutions like reverse osmosis filtration.

For households looking for the most effective and convenient option, a high-quality RO system is one of the best ways to enjoy cleaner, healthier, better-tasting water every day.

Chlorine typically evaporates within 24–48 hours in an open container at room temperature.

Yes. Boiling water for 15–20 minutes will evaporate most chlorine.

Vitamin C and chemical dechlorinators work almost instantly.

Yes. Dechlorinated water is safe to drink, often tastes better, and may reduce skin or eye irritation for sensitive individuals.