As the debate about whether chloramines cause copper pipe pinhole leaks rages on and lawsuits are filed, some affected Orange County residents are taking preventative measures now. While nothing can reverse damage that has already occurred, one wise piece in minimizing the leaks going forward is chloramine filter to  stop any further copper pipe damage that it might create.

The areas, cities and towns that are affected are anywhere that uses chloramines in the water supply.  Any city that imports water from South Coast Metropolitan water district has chloramines present in the water.  Presently the highest awareness and most controversy is taking place in the San Clemente and Ladera Ranch areas. The Moulton Niguel Water District and Santa Margarita Water District serve this region.

“MWD also supplies water to the Santa Margarita Water District, which serves the remainder of Mission Viejo as well as Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Ladera Ranch and the Talega community in San Clemente. MWD and SMWD were named as defendants in a complaint filed Feb. 9 by Lennar Homes over pinhole leaks in copper pipes in the Verano community of Talega.”  This quote was taken from this article about the pinhole leak issue.

This custom installation in the Talega Community of San Clemente was specifically designed to be a pinhole leak solution by reducing or removing the chloramines. This is a HealthyHome Solution model containing special media and this particular unit features 1.5 inch pipe.  However, any model of the HealthyHome Solution filter can be installed to conquer the chloramine problem.

The bottom line: If the chloramines are effectively reduced or removed, the role this chemical plays in damaging the copper piping stops.

Note:  While coconut shell carbon is great for removing chlorine, it is highly challenged by the ammonia. To properly address chloramines, a system must include a specially activated catalytic carbon, which is more expensive and only available in a few high end systems.