Cleaner water starts with the right solution, but does a water softener remove chlorine? If you’re noticing an odd taste or smell in your tap water, or you’re trying to decide between a softener and a filter, you’re not alone. Many homeowners believe that water softeners do it all, but that’s not quite the case.
If you’re not sure which system your home needs, we recommend starting with a free water test to evaluate your water softener system and filtration options.
At Mid Mo Water Solutions, we’re here to clear things up so you can enjoy safer, better-tasting water, whether you live in Columbia, MO, Jefferson City, or anywhere across mid-Missouri. Let’s dive into what water softeners really do, whether they remove chlorine, and how to treat your whole home water supply the right way.
Quick Answer – Do Water Softeners Remove Chlorine?
<p>No, water softeners do not remove chlorine. A standard softener is designed to reduce minerals like calcium and magnesium (hardness), but it won’t filter out chlorine or other chemicals in your tap water. To remove chlorine, you’ll need an additional filtration system like activated carbon or reverse osmosis.</p>
What a Water Softener Does (and Doesn’t) Remove
What It Does Remove
Water softeners are built to solve hard water problems, not chemical contamination. These systems work through a process called ion exchange, replacing hardness-causing minerals with sodium or potassium.
A typical soft water conditioner can help reduce:
- Calcium and magnesium (hardness minerals)
- Iron (in some cases)
- Scale buildup that clogs plumbing and damages appliances
Want to learn more? Check out the difference between hard and soft water.
What It Does NOT Remove
Despite their benefits, softeners have limits. They don’t target:
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- Bacteria and viruses
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides and VOCs
If your goal is to filter chlorine from your water, you’ll need a dedicated filtration system, not just a softener. For homeowners concerned about chemical exposure, our water filtration solutions are designed to remove chlorine safely and effectively. That’s why so many homeowners in mid-Missouri, especially those looking for water softeners in Columbia, MO or water filtration in Jefferson City, choose a combined softener and chlorine filter solution.
Why Chlorine Is in Tap Water (and Why It Matters)
Municipalities add chlorine to drinking water to kill bacteria, and while it’s effective for disinfection, it can also bring unwanted side effects.
If you’re wondering how safe your tap water is, rest assured that chlorine is one of the most common and widely used additives.
That said, it can cause an unpleasant taste or a strong chemical or bleach-like smell, and may even contribute to dry skin or eye irritation in some people. This is why water filtration is so important for improving both the taste and comfort of your water.
How to Actually Remove Chlorine from Water
If you want to eliminate chlorine (and its side effects), here are the best options:
Activated Carbon Filters
These systems absorb chlorine and organic compounds. They’re ideal for improving taste and smell.
- Available as whole-home systems or under-sink filters
- Effective for reducing chlorine in both city and well water
Reverse Osmosis Systems
A reverse osmosis water filter provides thorough filtration by removing:
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Other chemical contaminants
RO systems are typically installed at the kitchen sink to improve drinking and cooking water quality.
Whole-House Water Purifiers
Want complete protection? A combination chlorine filter water system and softener provides comprehensive treatment, ideal for homes with hard and chlorinated water.
Looking for a system that does both?
Our most popular water treatment options, like the IonX5 Whole Home Filter and HERO Reverse Osmosis System, can remove chlorine, improve taste, and soften your water at the same time. We’ll help you choose the right system after testing your home’s water quality.
📞 Schedule your free water test to get started.
Do You Need Both a Water Softener and a Filter?
In most cases, yes. Think of it like this:
- A softener protects your plumbing, appliances, and skin from hard water damage.
- A filtration system protects your health and improves the taste and smell of your tap water.
While softened water is safe to drink, it won’t remove the chlorine that causes many of the unpleasant taste, smell, or skin issues. That’s why pairing a softener with a filtration system is key to getting the best water quality for your whole home.
Municipal water treatment plants follow safety standards, but purchasing a water softener may still be necessary to deal with local water hardness, especially here in mid-Missouri.
This combo, sometimes called a filter soft water conditioner setup, is your best bet for all-around water quality. If you’re unsure which one you need, the first step is simple: get a free water test from our team, your trusted water company in Jefferson City, MO and surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts
To recap:
A water softener removes minerals, but not chlorine. If your tap water smells like a pool or tastes off, you likely need a chlorine filter or water purifier in addition to your softener.
A softener can also help extend appliance lifespan and lower repair costs. Here are 3 ways a softener can save you money.
At Mid-MO Water Solutions, we help you tackle both hard water and chlorine concerns with smart, customized systems that fit your home and budget.
📞 Call us at (573) 636-3800 or schedule your free test today to find out what’s really in your water, and how we can help fix it.