Chlorine in UK tap water: why it’s there, and how to cut the taste
Chlorine keeps tap water safe as it travels through the pipes, and the DWI says at those levels it “is perfectly safe to drink.” Levels are low: water companies typically keep it “to 0.5 mg/l or less.” If the taste bothers you, a covered jug in the fridge helps. A sudden, strong or TCP-like taste is a reason to call your water company.
DWI Last checked 28 Sep 2026 Get the Chlorine 5x · £12.45- The DWI’s figures, linked
- Read your strip against typical levels
- Simple ways to cut the taste
Choose your kit
Three ways to check chlorine
All water tests Quick readingChlorine Test Kit (5x)
Choose this to check the level, compare taps or days, or test a filter before and after.
Chlorine 0 to 1 ppmFive strips. A guide, not a lab figure.
£14.95 £12.45 View kitChlorine and Fluoride Test Kit (10x)
Chlorine and fluoride together, five strips of each.
Chlorine · fluoride £25 £22.50 View kitComplete Drinking Water Test Kit
The full screen: chlorine and fluoride, plus E. coli, lead and arsenic.
13 tests £55 £45 View kit What a strip doesn't tell you: an exact lab figure, or other disinfection by-products. Your water company's free report gives your supply's range.Is this you?
Start from where you are
Pick the card that sounds like you. Each one takes you to the right part of this guide.
Chlorine Reading Check
What does your reading mean?
Three quick taps: why you are checking, what your strip read and where the sample came from. You get how it compares with the typical levels the DWI describes, and what to do next.
Your answers stay in your browser.
Why there is chlorine in tap water
Chlorine is there to keep water safe on its journey to you. The DWI explains that “Water is safe when it leaves the water treatment works and the trace of chlorine is there only to preserve the high quality of the water as it passes through the miles of pipes used to convey water to homes and workplaces.” DWI
“At the very low levels used in drinking water, it is a proven public health measure for safety and effectiveness and is perfectly safe to drink.”Drinking Water Inspectorate DWI
It is required, not optional: “It is a regulatory requirement in England and Wales for companies to disinfect their water and hold a residual chlorine concentration within the network of pipes conveying the water supply to consumer taps.” DWI And it has a long record: “Chlorine has a long history of about 100 years of safe use for hygiene purposes worldwide.” DWI
From the works to your glass
How much chlorine reaches your glass depends on where you are and what happens in your home. Tap a number on the diagram at the top of the page, or read the four points below.
1 The treatment works “Water companies set the levels as part of the safe management of the whole network.” DWI Set to protect the whole network. 2 Near the works “if your property is located near to the water treatment works the level of chlorine may be a little higher in your tap water than it is at properties several miles further away.” DWI Closer can mean a stronger taste. 3 Further away Companies must plan “to ensure a minimum level at the remotest part of the network whilst also ensuring the maximum level is still acceptable to all consumers.” DWI Lower, but still there. 4 Your glass “If you do not like the smell or taste, then a simple way to remedy the problem is to place a jug of tap water in your fridge for a short period, this will reduce the chlorine smell and/or taste.” DWI The fridge jug trick.How much chlorine is normal
UK levels are low. “Typically, water companies keep the level of residual disinfectant in the form of free or combined chlorine to 0.5 mg/l or less.” DWI “However sometimes during maintenance of the pipe network, higher levels are needed.” DWI
Typical 0.5 mg/l or less What water companies usually keep to DWI Usual aim Below 1 mg/l “most water companies aim to keep the level below 1 mg/l.” DWI WHO guideline 5 mg/l A health-based maximum for chlorine as a residual disinfectant DWIIn the DWI's words, “The World Health Organisation has set a health-based guideline maximum value of 5 mg/l for chlorine as a residual disinfectant in drinking water.” DWI “The levels in tap water in England and Wales are well below this guideline” DWI.
Your own supply's figures are free to ask for: “Your water company will provide you with a free water quality report showing the maximum and minimum level of residual chlorine in your local water supply on request.” DWI
If you can taste or smell it
Some people notice chlorine more than others. “The reason why chlorine can be a concern in drinking water relates to the fact that some people can be very sensitive to its taste and smell.” DWI
A sudden change is usually temporary: “If you occasionally notice a slight taste or smell of chlorine, it is probably due to maintenance work in your area, it will not be a long lasting problem and there is no cause to worry.” DWI
When to call your water company Straight away if“If you notice a particularly bad or strong smell or TCP like taste which makes your tap water unpalatable, or you notice a smell or taste for the first time which does not go away in a short time, then you should contact your water company immediately.” DWI
Cut the taste at home
The simplest fix costs nothing. “Cooling tap water in the fridge is all that is needed.” DWI “Always remember to throw away any unused water after 24 hours and clean the jug regularly.” DWI
A filter is an option, with care: “if you wish, you could always try using a simple jug filter with an activated carbon cartridge.” DWI “If you do decide to use a filter, or you have a modern fridge which has an integral water jug fitted, then you must follow all the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.” DWI
Use the cold kitchen tap“Always use freshly drawn water for drinking or cooking, taking it from a cold water tap supplied directly off the water mains.” DWIAfter time away“When no water has been used in the house for several hours, draw off a washing up bowlful before using water for drinking.” DWITCP or medicinal tastes
A TCP, antiseptic or medicinal taste is different from plain chlorine. The DWI explains “Chemical reactions can occur between chlorine and chemicals in kettles, rubber or plastic components within your domestic plumbing system, which lead to antiseptic and medicinal tastes.” DWI
The usual suspects: “A common cause of TCP like tastes is the hoses that are used to connect domestic appliances to the water supply.” DWI “Some plastic kettles and anti-splash devices fitted to or inside modern taps may also be the cause.” DWI
The taste and smell guide →07 Testing chlorine at home
Chlorine strips give a quick reading you can compare between taps or days. Our Chlorine Test reads 0 to 1 ppm (1 ppm is 1 mg/l), which covers the levels the DWI describes as typical. A strip is a guide, not a lab figure, so read it in good light and at the time the instructions say.
- Test the cold kitchen tap, straight from the mains.
- Compare like with like: same tap, similar time of day.
- Testing a filter? Test before and after it, a few minutes apart.
08 Chlorine on a private supply
On a private supply, chlorine is one of the treatment choices. One council lists its pros and cons: it “Provides residual disinfection properties.” North Norfolk DC, but “Dosing chemicals need careful storage and handling.” North Norfolk DC and it “Will affect the taste and odour of the water slightly.” North Norfolk DC
If you dose chlorine, strips are a simple way to keep an eye on the level alongside the servicing your installer recommends.
The private water supplies guide →Near you
Your water company
Your postcode shows which water company supplies your area, with a link to its water quality checker, where your supply's chlorine range is published.
Open the UK testing mapAdd my resultThe map shows community results and public data. It is not official monitoring. Area facts are taken at the centre of your postcode district.
Community results Housing ageQuestions people ask
Chlorine questions
Short answers, with the DWI's own words where it matters.
Is chlorine in tap water safe?
Yes, at the levels used. The DWI says “At the very low levels used in drinking water, it is a proven public health measure for safety and effectiveness and is perfectly safe to drink.” DWI
How much chlorine is in UK tap water?
“Typically, water companies keep the level of residual disinfectant in the form of free or combined chlorine to 0.5 mg/l or less.” DWI Your water company will send you a free report for your supply.
Why does my water taste more of chlorine today?
Usually work on the network. “However sometimes during maintenance of the pipe network, higher levels are needed.” DWI If it is strong or doesn't go away, contact your water company.
How do I get rid of the chlorine taste?
Put a covered jug of tap water in the fridge. “Cooling tap water in the fridge is all that is needed.” DWI Throw away any unused water after 24 hours.
Do water filters remove chlorine?
An activated carbon filter can reduce the taste. The DWI says “you could always try using a simple jug filter with an activated carbon cartridge.” DWI Change cartridges as the maker says.
Why does my tap water taste of TCP?
Usually chlorine reacting with plastics or rubber in the home. “A common cause of TCP like tastes is the hoses that are used to connect domestic appliances to the water supply.” DWI
Can I test chlorine at home?
Yes. Chlorine strips give a quick reading you can compare between taps, days or before and after a filter. Our Chlorine Test reads 0 to 1 ppm.
Is there chlorine in private water supplies?
Only if the supply is dosed with it. Many private supplies use UV instead. Ask whoever services your treatment.
Keep reading
Cloudy, brown or funny-tasting tap water? A symptom guide Is UK tap water safe to drink? The 2026 evidence How to test water quality at home, step by stepSources and how we write these pages · 3 sources · last checked 28 Sep 2026
- DWI: Chlorine checked 28 Sep 2026
- DWI: Taste and odour in drinking water checked 28 Sep 2026
- North Norfolk District Council: Microbiological failure (treatment options) checked 28 Sep 2026
How we write these pages. Health and safety lines are quoted word for word from the source and linked, with the date we last checked them. Home screening is a first check, not lab certification. Last reviewed 28 Sep 2026.
Where to next?
Your next step on chlorine
Quick reading Chlorine Test Kit (5x)5 tests · five strips, 0 to 1 ppm
£14.95 £12.45 View kit Not sure which test? Got a reading?Three taps: why you checked, what it read, where the sample came from.
Which test do I need? Your area What we know near you Open the map Area facts come from the same public data as the UK testing map. Already tested? Understand your resultSee what your result means and what to do next, then add it to the community map.
Result CentreAdd my result Related guides Other water concerns Private water suppliesLeadBacteria and E. coliArsenicTaste and smellFluoride Stay informed Results alerts for your areaBe told when a new community result is added in your area. Sign up on the UK testing map.
Get area alerts- ✓ Quotes from UK regulators, linked and dated
- ✓ Home screens, not lab certificates
- ✓ Shop links open in a new tab, so this guide stays open