The Tampa Water Department will temporarily change its disinfection process Monday, November 6 through Monday, November 27. This is routine maintenance that preserves the quality of our drinking water. Customers may experience a slight change in smell, color, and taste of their drinking water.
During this time, the department will use chlorine instead of monochloramine (a mix of ammonia and chlorine) to disinfect its drinking water. This process helps prevent bacteria from developing in our water mains and service lines and is a preventative measure practiced throughout the region and in other Public Water Systems around the country.
Customers with a sensitivity to chlorine: Customers who are sensitive to chlorine can take several steps to minimize the effects of the change, including the following:
- Run the tap for a few minutes before using.
- Fill a pitcher of water and let it sit for several hours to allow any residual chlorine to evaporate.
- Consider installing a carbon filter on kitchen/bathroom faucets or shower heads or replacing existing filters with new ones.
Individuals and business owners who already take special steps to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities, and aquatic pet owners, will want to take the same precautions during this time.
The Water Department continuously monitors chlorine levels throughout our service area and works with the Florida Department of Health to ensure our water complies with EPA guidelines.
For more information, contact City of Tampa Utilities at (813) 274-8811 or visit tampa.gov/ChlorineDisinfection.
Water Production Manager John Ring will be available for media interviews at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 3, 2023 to discuss the disinfection process. During this time, a crew member will also demonstrate how the Water Department checks chlorine levels in its service area.