City Announces Temporary Modification to Water Chlorination Process

Published on June 09, 2025

June 9, 2025

For Immediate Release

Contact: (561) 221-2100

West Palm Beach Utility Department announces

a temporary modification to the water chlorination process

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Dear City of West Palm Beach Public Utilities Customer:

The City of West Palm Beach is temporarily modifying the water disinfection process.  Beginning July 7, 2025, and continuing until July 28, 2025, the City will use chlorine as the primary water disinfectant.   Customers may notice a slight chlorine  odor to the  water.  This may be reduced by keeping water for drinking in an open container for several hours before drinking.  Please understand that this temporary condition is not harmful as the use of chlorine meets the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) guidance.

Annually, the city makes the temporary change from chloramine to chlorine as part of our proactive action planning to provide our customers with safe drinking water.  Chlorine is a widely used, reliable and effective disinfectant to support health protection in the water system and maintain water quality, particularly in the warmer summer months.  During this change, you may notice water utility personnel open fire hydrants.  This is done to improve water flow in the water mains and improve water quality while also testing the fire hydrant operation.

Customers that use a home dialysis machine, have tropical fish tanks, and places with fish and shellfish holding tanks,  should seek professional advice to safely remove chlorine from the city water as the method for removing chlorine differs from the removal of chloramine.

For more information about this temporary change in the water treatment process, the City of West Palm Beach Public Utilities Department is available at (561) 221-2100.

Additional resources are available from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection  www.Floridadep.gov  with a search for “Requirements for Community Public Drinking Water Systems”.

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