Kidney dialysis patients can safely drink, cook, and bathe in chloraminated water. However, chloramines must be removed from the water used in kidney dialysis machines.

Dialysis systems already pre-treat their source water to remove chlorine. However, some modifications will be necessary to remove the chloramines. Home dialysis service companies can usually make the needed modifications, but you should check with your physician to be certain.

All medical facilities that perform kidney dialysis have been notified of this change to chloraminated water treatment. According to the ESRD [End Stage Renal Disease] federal regulations, these facilities are responsible for purifying the water that enters the dialysis machines.

The Southern Alberta Renal Program has already installed the appropriate carbon filters in home-based water systems of home hemodialysis patients. These systems will be installed and monitored to ensure cholarimines and other products are removed prior to dialysis.

No. There is no evidence of significant dermal absorption during these activities posing a risk.

Normally it does not. Bottled water could contain chloramine if the company uses water supplied by Newell Regional Services Corporation as its water source.

Yes. Everyone can drink water that contains chloramines.

Yes. It is safe to use chloraminated water in cleaning an open wound because virtually no water actually enters the bloodstream that way.

Chloramine is more chemically stable than chlorine and lasts longer in the local water distribution system than chlorine.

No, it is very important to maintain fluid intake of approximately 2 liters per day. Everyone can drink water that contains chloramines.

No. You will still need free chlorine residual to retard algae and bacteria growths. Contact your local pool supply stores for specific information.

Most home purifiers are not designed to remove chloramines. Consult your manufacturer for specific information. NOTE: High quality granular activated carbon filters may remove chloramines provided sufficient contact time is permitted.

If you want to reduce the amount of Chloramines in your water, a granular activated carbon filter or ascorbic acid are common substances to reduce Chloramine residuals.

While the public often considers all drinking water to be the same, the local raw water and water distribution conditions determine the best option for each particular community. Both chlorine and chloramine have their own advantages and disadvantages. Given sufficient contact time, chloramine is as effective as chlorine in destroying bacteria. While chlorine works more quickly, it does not last as long in the water as chloramine.

No. The cost of using chloramine is about the same as using chlorine.

Yes. The small amount of chloramines in the water supply will have no effect on plants of any type

Chloraminated water is no different than chlorinated water for all of the normal uses we have for potable water, including drinking. The digestive process neutralizes the chloramines before they reach the bloodstream. However, fish absorb chloramines directly into their bloodstreams through their gills, which can be fatal.

Chloramines must be removed from any water to be used for fish tanks or ponds. Chloramines are toxic to saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles that live in water, turtles and amphibians, and must be removed. This includes lobster tanks at grocery stores and restaurants as well as fish containers at bait shops.

You may not have had to remove chlorine from your aquarium water because it dissipates (evaporates) rapidly on its own. This is not the case with chloramines and specific steps must be taken for their removal.

Chloramines can be removed from the water by using a water conditioner specifically designed to remove chloramines or by using a granular activated carbon filter. Your pet supplier should be able to provide any further guidance you may need on these products.

Ammonia can be toxic to fish. Although all fish produce some ammonia as a natural by-product, ammonia is also released when chloramines are chemically removed. Some ammonia levels may be tolerable in individual tanks or ponds for short periods of time; however, commercial products are available at pet supply stores to remove excess ammonia. Biological filters, natural zeolites, and pH control methods are also effective in reducing the toxic effects of ammonia.

You can get more information about Chloramines at the Health Canada website http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca or contact Newell Regional Services Corporation.

For more information please visit these websites:

• http://environment.alberta.ca/apps/RegulatedDWQ/Faqs.aspx#FAQ4
• http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/guide/index-eng.php
• http://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Water/Public_Drinking/Chloramines.htm
• http://www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/chloramines-faq.htm
• http://www.freestrongotesting.com/chloramination.htm

Chloramines are one of the disinfectants used in drinking water. They are used to control bacterial growth and regrowth, taste and odour problems in drinking water. Chloramines help to deliver drinking water to you that is safe to drink, with the lowest possible levels of trihalomethanes (THMs).