Pinellas County residents may notice a slight change in the taste or smell of their tap water over the coming weeks — but officials say there is no cause for alarm.
Pinellas County Utilities switched its water disinfection method from chloramine to chlorine on Monday, May 18, a change that will remain in effect through Saturday, June 6. Chloramine is a mix of chlorine and ammonia. The routine switch is made to improve water quality and minimize the potential for future problems in the water system.
Officials emphasized there are no indications of significant bacteriological contamination in the system, and that water will continue to meet all federal and state standards for safe drinking water throughout the maintenance period. Water pressure and service will not be affected.
Chlorine can help remove biofilm — a layer of bacteria that builds up inside pipes and is resistant to chloramine disinfection, according to the CDC.
The change affects customers throughout Pinellas County, including Belleair, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, and Safety Harbor.
Kidney dialysis patients are not expected to be affected, but officials recommend they contact their dialysis care provider for more information. Fish owners should also be unaffected if they already have a system to remove chloramines, though they can contact local pet suppliers with any questions.
For more information, residents can visit pinellas.gov/utilities or call Pinellas County Utilities at 727-464-4000.
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