City of Sunrise to implement free chlorine water treatment from April 28 to May 26, 2025, as part of routine system maintenance

City of Sunrise, Florida – The City of Sunrise is preparing for an essential maintenance procedure that will affect the drinking water supply for its residents and businesses. From April 28 through May 26, 2025, the City’s Utilities Department will temporarily switch from using monochloramine to free chlorine in its water disinfection process. This procedure is a common practice among water suppliers who typically use chloramine for disinfection, and it aims to enhance protection against bacteria within the water system.

What is Free Chlorination and Why is It Important?

Free chlorination is a routine, temporary measure used by water utilities to maintain the integrity of the water distribution system. It involves replacing monochloramine (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) with free chlorine, a potent disinfectant that has been widely used for over a century to ensure the safety of drinking water. This method is recommended by the Florida Department of Health and is conducted to help remove biofilms, which can develop within the water distribution pipes over time.

“This is a common and effective practice used by many utilities, and it helps ensure that our water remains clean and safe for all residents and businesses,” said a spokesperson for the City of Sunrise Utilities Department. “While some people may notice slight changes in taste or odor, the process is safe and designed to further protect our community from potential contaminants.”

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Chlorine has been a staple in water treatment for over 100 years, with approximately 98% of U.S. water systems utilizing some form of chlorine disinfection. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates that all treated tap water contains a detectable level of chlorine to provide an ongoing defense against harmful microorganisms that may be present as the water moves from the treatment plant to individual taps.

What to Expect During the Chlorination Event

For most residents and businesses in Sunrise, Weston, Southwest Ranches, and parts of Davie, the switch to free chlorine should be a smooth process. However, there may be some noticeable changes in the water during this time. Customers may experience a slight alteration in the taste or odor of their tap water, which is typical during the transition from chloramine to chlorine. While these changes are harmless, they can be an unexpected surprise for some.

“We want to make sure our customers are fully informed and prepared,” said Dr. Howard Hepburn, Superintendent of the City of Sunrise Utilities Department. “Although it may take some time for residents to get used to the slight taste or odor difference, we encourage everyone to remember that this process is completely safe and will not affect the overall quality of the water.”

For those who find the taste or smell of chlorine unpleasant, a simple solution is to store water in an open pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours. The chlorine will naturally dissipate over time, and the water will become more palatable.

Special Considerations for Sensitive Populations

While the free chlorination event poses no health risks to the vast majority of the population, some groups may need to take additional precautions. Kidney dialysis centers, nephrologists, and hospitals in the affected areas have been notified about the temporary change in water treatment. This is particularly important for dialysis patients, as they rely on water free of chlorine for their treatments.

“If you are undergoing dialysis, we recommend contacting your healthcare provider or dialysis specialist to discuss any necessary adjustments for your treatments during this period,” advised the Utilities Department.

Additionally, the free chlorine treatment could have an effect on aquatic life, particularly for those who maintain sensitive species in aquariums. If you own fish or other marine animals that may be vulnerable to chlorine, it is advised to consult with your local pet supply store for dechlorination products or other water treatment solutions.

Reassuring Residents About Water Safety

While some residents may be concerned about the impact of chlorine on their health, the City of Sunrise assures the public that the water quality remains in full compliance with both State and Federal standards. Chlorine levels in drinking water are tightly regulated by the EPA, and the concentration used during this treatment process will remain well within the allowable limits. According to the EPA, chlorine levels up to 4 parts per million (ppm) pose “no known or expected health risk.”

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“The safety of our water is our top priority,” said the spokesperson. “We are committed to ensuring that every drop of water that reaches our customers is safe to drink and use, and this temporary measure is just another step in our ongoing efforts to maintain that standard.”

For those concerned about potential water discoloration, residents are encouraged to run their faucets for a few minutes to help clear the system. If the discoloration persists, they can contact the City of Sunrise Utilities Department for assistance.

Answers to Common Questions

As the free chlorination process will be unfamiliar to some residents, the City has provided a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address common concerns. Some of the key questions include:

• Is chlorine in drinking water safe?
Yes, the chlorine levels added to drinking water during this temporary process are well within the safe limits established by the EPA. The small amount of chlorine used to disinfect drinking water is entirely safe for consumption.

• How long will the free chlorination process last?
The free chlorination event will last approximately three weeks, from April 28 to May 26, 2025.

• Does free chlorination change or affect water quality?
No, the water will still meet all State and Federal water quality standards. The only noticeable change may be the taste or odor of the water.

• Is this the first time the City of Sunrise has used free chlorination?
No, this is a common practice and has been done in the past to maintain the health of the water distribution system.

• What can I do if my water tastes different?
If the taste of the water is bothersome, we suggest refrigerating the water in an open pitcher. The chlorine will dissipate naturally, and the taste should improve.

Additional Information

For more details about the free chlorination process and how it may affect you, residents can visit the City of Sunrise website or contact the Utilities Department directly. The department is available to answer any questions and provide assistance to those who may need further clarification.

For general water quality information, residents can also visit the EPA’s official website or contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

“Keeping our water clean, safe, and reliable is essential to the well-being of everyone in our community,” concluded Dr. Hepburn. “We appreciate your understanding as we carry out this necessary maintenance process and thank you for your continued trust in our water system.”

For further inquiries, residents are encouraged to reach out to the Utilities Department at (954) 888-6000 or visit www.sunrisefl.gov/waterquality for the latest updates on the chlorination event and other water-related topics.