The Tampa Water Department will temporarily change its disinfection process from Monday, September 16 through Monday, October 7. This is part of routine maintenance to preserve the quality of our water.
Our water will continue to meet all state and federal standards during this time. However, customers may notice a slight change in the smell and taste of their drinking water.
What will happen
The department will use chlorine instead of monochloramine (a mix of ammonia and chlorine) in its water treatment process. Chlorine is a strong disinfectant that inhibits the growth of bacteria in our water mains, service lines, and water.
This is a common practice for water utilities throughout the Tampa Bay region, and around the country, to maintain their water systems.
Customers who are sensitive to chlorine can take several steps to minimize the impact of the switch, including:
- Running the tap a few minutes before every use.
- Filling a pitcher of water and letting it sit for several hours to allow any residual chlorine to evaporate.
- Installing a carbon filter on kitchen/bathroom faucets or shower heads or replacing existing filters with new ones.
Customers and businesses who take special steps to remove monochloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, will want to take the same precautions during this time.
For more information, visit tampa.gov/chlorinedisinfection.