Should I get a home carbon filtering device?

You can use a hand-held pitcher with an activated carbon filter to remove chlorine or install a point-of-use water treatment device on a faucet for your cooking and drinking water. Be certain that the device has been tested by an independent organization for aesthetic (non-health) use. ANSI/NSF Standard 42 establishes minimum requirements for materials, design and construction, and performance of drinking water devices that reduce specific aesthetic-related contaminants in public or private water supplies.

These products usually contain activated carbon that can remove many chemicals that affect taste and odor, including chlorine. Point of use devices contains filter cartridges that must be changed out periodically. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to replace the cartridges. If you plan to store water from these devices, treat the water as a food product, and use clean, airtight containers and refrigerate, as the water is no longer protected from bacteriological contamination.