Water chlorine removal is a process that makes water more potable for plants, fish and people. You can remove the chlorine yourself or purchase dechlorinating products like activated carbon filters. Chlorine is greenish yellow and smells like a bottle of bleach or a swimming pool.
Removing chlorine is a good idea for your plants. To remove the chlorine from water, place the amount of water you need in a container with a large surface area, such as a 5-gallon bucket or old spaghetti pot. Let the water sit for a few days in the shade. If you are worried about your plants ingesting chlorine, you should worry about yourself as well. Because the chlorine will disperse as a gas, placing it outside your house prevents you from inhaling the vapors.
You can also boil the water to remove the chlorine. This uses more energy than letting it sit out, but it takes less time. Boil the water for a few minutes and let it cool. Do not water plants with hot water.
Tap water that is used for aquariums needs to have the chlorine removed. Dechlorinators are inexpensive and you can treat most tanks for a year for less than $10. The dechlorinator is added to the water to neutralize chlorine. There are several varieties to choose from, including products with additives that reduce stress, provide extra nutrients and improve skin conditions.
For best results, follow the directions on the package of the dechlorinator. Treat only the new water you are placing in the tank. This process takes less than five minutes.
An activated-carbon filter system is an effective method for removing chlorine from drinking water. It will also remove pesticides, radon, volitile organic compounds, lead and mercury, according to the Michigan State Cooperative Extension Service (see References). Expect to pay between $20 and $600 in 2009 for a such a system.
Activated carbon is charcoal that is treated with oxygen. The oxygen turns the charcoal into a porous surface that absorbs impurities, such as chlorine. Replace the filter as often as prescribed on the package. Once the porous areas of the activated carbon are full, the filter stops working.