This change was made to improve Virginia Beach's water quality and meet new federal and state drinking water regulations. We switched from chlorine disinfection to chloramine disinfection. At the same time, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Chesapeake made the same change to their city water supplies. Chloramines are recognized as a safe form of drinking water disinfection. Like chlorine, chloramines must be removed from water before it is used in aquariums or ponds.
Chloramines are only harmful when they directly enter the bloodstream.
Because fish take chloramines directly from the water into their bloodstream, you will need to remove the chloramines from the water used by your fish and other aquatic animals. Water conditioners specifically designed for removing chloramines are commercially available. This process is similar to what you currently do to remove chlorine. Your pet store or pet supplier should be able to provide you with dechloramination products and instructions. Chloramines are harmful to fish and must be removed from water just as chlorine is harmful and must be removed.