**Milwaukee's Brew: City Chlorine Crashing Gut Enzymes?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 4, 2026

It’s easy to take for granted the simple act of drinking a glass of water. But what if that water, while seemingly clear and refreshing, was subtly impacting your gut health? For Milwaukee residents, the water flowing from their taps, treated with chlorine and chloramine to ensure safety, might be doing just that. This isn’t about fear-mongering; it’s about understanding the potential trade-offs of municipal water treatment and taking proactive steps to protect your gut microbiome.

Milwaukee’s water source is Lake Michigan, a vast and generally clean body of water. However, like all municipal water supplies, it requires treatment to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses. The Milwaukee Water Works uses both chlorine and chloramine as disinfectants. While effective at killing pathogens, these chemicals can also negatively affect the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

The levels of chlorine and chloramine in Milwaukee’s water fluctuate, but the Milwaukee Water Works aims to maintain a residual disinfectant level throughout the distribution system. This means that even at your tap, there’s a measurable amount of these chemicals present. While considered safe by regulatory standards, even low levels of chlorine and chloramine can disrupt the delicate balance of your gut microbiome.

So, how do you know the exact levels in your Milwaukee home? The Milwaukee Water Works publishes regular water quality reports, available on their website. These reports provide average chlorine and chloramine levels for different zones within the city. However, for a truly accurate assessment, consider purchasing a home water testing kit specifically designed to measure chlorine and chloramine. These kits are readily available online or at local hardware stores like Ace Hardware on Brady Street.

Testing your water is the first step. Now, let’s talk about mitigation. The most effective way to remove chlorine and chloramine from your drinking water is through filtration. Not all filters are created equal. A basic pitcher filter, like a Brita, will remove some chlorine, improving taste and odor. However, it’s not very effective at removing chloramine.

For chloramine removal, you need a more robust filtration system. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for chloramine reduction. These include:

• Activated Carbon Filters: These are the most common and effective. They work by adsorbing the chemicals onto the surface of the carbon. Look for filters with a high surface area, such as granular activated carbon (GAC) or carbon block filters. Whole-house systems, like those offered by Culligan of Milwaukee, can filter all the water entering your home.
• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: RO systems are highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants, including chlorine, chloramine, and even heavy metals. They are more expensive than carbon filters but provide the highest level of purification. Consider an under-sink RO system for your kitchen.

Choosing the right filter depends on your budget and needs. If you’re primarily concerned about taste and odor, a basic carbon filter might suffice. However, if you’re serious about protecting your gut microbiome, invest in a filter certified for chloramine reduction. Remember to replace your filters regularly, as their effectiveness decreases over time.

Now, let’s address the gut microbiome directly. Even with filtration, some exposure to chlorine and chloramine is inevitable, especially when showering or washing produce. This is where probiotics come in. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. They can help repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria that may have been depleted by exposure to chlorinated water.

But not all probiotics are created equal. The key is to choose strains that have been specifically studied for their ability to survive and thrive in the presence of chlorine and chloramine. Research suggests the following strains may be particularly beneficial:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: This is one of the most well-studied probiotic strains, known for its resilience and ability to adhere to the intestinal lining. Studies have shown it can help restore gut flora after antibiotic use, which is analogous to the effects of chlorine.
• Bifidobacterium bifidum: This strain is a common inhabitant of the human gut and plays a crucial role in digestion and immune function. It’s particularly effective at breaking down complex carbohydrates.
• Saccharomyces boulardii: While technically a yeast, S. boulardii is often used as a probiotic due to its ability to support gut health during periods of stress or disruption. It’s known for its resistance to antibiotics and may also be helpful in mitigating the effects of chlorine.

Look for probiotic supplements that contain these strains, ideally in a multi-strain formula. Consider brands like Garden of Life or NOW Foods, which offer a variety of probiotic supplements with well-researched strains. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it to assess your tolerance. It’s also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the best probiotic regimen for your individual needs.

Timing is also important. Take your probiotic supplement at a different time than you drink tap water, to minimize direct exposure of the probiotic to chlorine/chloramine. For example, take your probiotic before bed if you drink tap water with dinner.

Beyond filtration and probiotics, there are other lifestyle factors that can support a healthy gut microbiome. These include:

• Eating a diverse diet rich in fiber: Fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping them thrive. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Milwaukee’s Public Market is a great place to find fresh, local produce.
• Limiting processed foods, sugar, and artificial sweeteners: These can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome and promote the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Managing stress: Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature. Milwaukee’s lakefront offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• Getting enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can also disrupt the gut microbiome. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.

One common mistake people make is assuming that all bottled water is chlorine-free. While some bottled water is purified through reverse osmosis, others may simply be filtered tap water. Check the label to see how the water was treated.

Another pitfall is neglecting to replace your water filters regularly. A clogged filter can actually harbor bacteria and release contaminants back into your water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for filter replacement.

Finally, don’t rely solely on probiotics to undo the damage of chlorinated water. Filtration is the first line of defense. Probiotics are a valuable supplement, but they’re not a substitute for clean water.

Protecting your gut microbiome in Milwaukee requires a multi-faceted approach. By testing your water, investing in a quality filtration system, supplementing with targeted probiotics, and adopting a gut-friendly lifestyle, you can mitigate the potential negative effects of chlorinated water and optimize your digestive health. It’s about being informed, proactive, and taking control of your well-being, one glass of water at a time.