02/24/2009 US EPA

COMMON HEALTH QUESTIONS RELATED TO MONOCHLORAMINE

22) Can chloraminated or chlorinated water be used for dialysis or in an
aquarium?

Chloraminated or chlorinated water may need additional treatment if used
for specialized purposes.

•	Water utilities typically provide health care agencies and organizations
with information about their disinfection processes.

•	Water utilities typically provide consumers with information about
disinfection processes.

•	Water utilities consult with regulatory authorities about major changes in
their water treatment processes.

Chlorine and monochloramine must be removed prior to use in kidney
dialysis machines.1

•	Chlorine and chloramines or must be removed from water used in dialysis
machines because this water comes into direct contact with blood.

•	Dialysis patients should consult with their physicians if they have concerns
about using chlorinated or chloraminated water.

•	Dialysis patients can safely drink chlorinated or chloraminated water.2

Chlorine and monochloramine must be neutralized or removed if used in
aquariums.

•	Chlorine and monochloramine can be harmful to fish because they directly
enter their bloodstream through the gills.

•	Chlorine and monochloramine can also prevent the growth of beneficial
bacteria that are necessary for healthy fish tanks.

•	Chlorinated and chloraminated water can be safely used in aquariums by
using products readily available from aquarium supply stores.

Additional Supporting Information:

1.	A 1988 FDA Safety Alert on chloramines and dialysis is available at:
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/safetv/021988-chloramine.pdf.

2.	Dialysis patients with severely compromised immune systems should consult with
their physician before consuming any type of water.

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