City of West Palm Beach notifies residents about temporary change in water chlorination process to begin in early July

West Palm Beach, Florida – The City of West Palm Beach is informing its residents of a temporary adjustment to the water disinfection process that will take place over the next few weeks. From July 7 to July 28, 2025, the City will use chlorine as the primary disinfectant in its water system. While this change may lead to a slight chlorine odor in the water, city officials emphasize that the modification is completely safe and in line with state regulations.

This annual switch from chloramine to chlorine is part of the city’s proactive approach to maintaining safe and high-quality drinking water for its residents. According to the City of West Palm Beach’s Public Utilities Department, the chlorine-based disinfection process is both effective and reliable, particularly during the warmer summer months when water quality is more vulnerable to microbial growth.

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For most residents, the change will be barely noticeable, although a faint chlorine smell may be present in tap water during this period. To minimize the odor, residents are advised to leave water in an open container for a few hours before drinking. “This temporary condition is not harmful,” the city assures, citing that the use of chlorine complies with guidance from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).

During this time, residents may also see water utility personnel opening fire hydrants. This is part of the city’s effort to enhance water flow within the water mains and ensure continued water quality. It also serves as a routine test of the fire hydrant systems, which is a necessary part of maintaining a functioning water and emergency response infrastructure.

The City of West Palm Beach has also made special recommendations for certain groups who may be impacted by the chlorine shift. Specifically, residents who use home dialysis machines or have tropical fish tanks, as well as those who keep fish or shellfish in holding tanks, should take precautions. Professional advice on how to remove chlorine from water is recommended, as the process for eliminating chlorine differs from that of chloramine.

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City officials are committed to keeping residents informed throughout the duration of the change and encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to the Public Utilities Department. The department can be contacted at (561) 221-2100 for further information or clarification on the temporary change.

Additional resources are available from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website, which provides comprehensive information on water treatment practices for community drinking water systems. Residents can search for “Requirements for Community Public Drinking Water Systems” for more details.

This temporary adjustment is just one of the many steps the City of West Palm Beach takes to ensure the ongoing safety and reliability of its water system. Public health and safety remain a top priority as the city works diligently to maintain the highest standards of water quality for its residents.