Best Water Filters for Chlorine Taste UK (2026)
Reduce that swimming pool smell from your tap water. NSF 42 certified filters that reduce chlorine taste instantly.
Quick Answer: Best Chlorine Taste Filters
Best Budget: BRITA MAXTRA PRO jug (£29.99) - 95%+ chlorine reduction
Best Value: Waterdrop 10UA under-sink (£59) - 97% chlorine removal, NSF 42 certified
Best Premium: Waterdrop G3P600 RO (£399) - 99.9% removal of chlorine + everything else
Why Does UK Tap Water Taste Like Chlorine?
UK water companies add chlorine to kill harmful bacteria - it's what makes our tap water safe to drink. The legal limit is 0.5mg/L, but even at much lower concentrations, many people can detect the taste and smell.
Why Some Areas Taste Worse
Homes near water treatment plants often have stronger chlorine taste because the chemical hasn't had time to dissipate. Areas at the end of distribution networks typically have lower chlorine levels.
While chlorine at UK levels is considered safe, it can react with organic matter to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes. These are linked to health concerns with long-term exposure. A good carbon filter reduces both the chlorine AND these byproducts.
Best Filters for Chlorine Taste (Tested & Certified)
BRITA MAXTRA PRO All-in-1
£29.99
The classic choice for chlorine removal. BRITA's activated carbon filters reduce chlorine taste by 95%+. No installation needed - just fill and pour. Each filter lasts about 4 weeks.
Waterdrop 10UA Under Sink Filter
£59.48
NSF 42 certified - independently tested to reduce chlorine taste and odour. Installs in 3 minutes under your sink. No more refilling jugs - just turn on the tap for clean, great-tasting water.
Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis
£399
If you want to reduce a wide range of contaminants — not just chlorine but also lead, PFAS, microplastics, and more — this tankless RO system is a top choice. Certified to reduce chlorine plus broad contaminant reduction.
Quick Comparison: Chlorine Removal Filters
| Filter | Price | Chlorine Removal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRITA MAXTRA PRO | £29.99 | 95%+ | Renters, small households |
| Waterdrop 10UA ⭐ | £59.48 | 97% (NSF 42) | Most UK homes |
| Waterdrop G3P600 | £399 | 99.9% | Complete purification |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does UK tap water taste like chlorine?
UK water companies add chlorine to kill bacteria and make water safe to drink. The legal limit is 0.5mg/L, but even at lower levels many people can taste it. Chlorine taste is strongest in areas near water treatment plants.
Do all water filters remove chlorine taste?
Most carbon-based filters effectively reduce chlorine taste and smell. Look for NSF 42 certification which specifically tests for chlorine reduction. Basic sediment filters do NOT reduce chlorine — you need activated carbon.
How long does it take for a filter to remove chlorine taste?
The effect is immediate. As soon as water passes through an activated carbon filter, 95-99% of chlorine is removed. You'll notice the difference with your first glass of filtered water.
Is chlorine in tap water harmful?
At UK legal levels (up to 0.5mg/L), chlorine is considered safe. However, chlorine can react with organic matter to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes, which are linked to health concerns with long-term exposure. Filtering reduces both chlorine and many DBPs.
A Simple Guide to Which Filter Type Usually Suits Which Concern
A simple guide to which filter type usually suits which concern.
Jug Filters
Typical price: £20-40Best for improving chlorine taste and odour, with no installation needed.
Under-Sink Carbon Filters
Typical price: £80-150A good middle-ground option for better taste, odour, sediment, and some chemical reduction.
Multi-Stage Under-Sink Systems
Typical price: £150-300Designed for broader reduction, but performance varies by model and certification.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Typical price: £200-400Best for broader contaminant reduction, including concerns about lead, PFAS, fluoride, and microplastics.
Whole-House Systems
Typical price: £500-2000+Best for protecting appliances and treating water throughout the home, rather than just at one drinking tap.
Most UK homes do well with a simple under-sink carbon filter or a reverse osmosis system, depending on the concern. If you are worried about lead pipes or broader contaminant reduction, start by comparing certified under-sink and RO options carefully.
Related Reading
About Keith
Trained engineer (toolmaker) with 25 years in industrial coatings filtration, plus 18 years refining RO/carbon/resin purified-water systems
On Filter Authority, Keith translates hands-on experience into plain-English guidance and evidence-led, certification-aware recommendations for UK homes. You won't find hype here — just clear options, honest trade-offs, and how to check claims for yourself.
Read full bio and methodology