Chlorine Maintenance FAQ

Chlorine maintenance is a temporary process where free chlorine is used instead of chloramine in the water distribution system. This routine practice, typically done once or twice a year for three weeks, helps maintain distribution pipes and keeps the distribution system clean.

Note: Other cities in South Florida, including West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami, perform similar maintenance to keep their water systems safe and in compliance with EPA guidelines.

Treatment plant adds liquid sodium hypochlorite (NaOCL) solution during drinking water treatment process.

For over 100 years【source: "History of Drinking Water Treatment" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)】.

Chlorine is the most common disinfection method worldwide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requires treated tap water to have detectable chlorine levels to protect against bacterial growth.

Yes, according to the USEPA, Centers for Disease Control, and World Health Organization, chlorine and chloramine are safe disinfectants within regulatory standards, with no known adverse health effects. However, they must be removed for dialysis use and can be harmful to fish and amphibians, which proper filters and dechlorination products can address. The City continuously monitors chlorine levels in real-time to ensure they remain within EPA-approved safety standards, which range from 0.2 to 4.0 milligrams per liter.

No, chlorine maintenance is typically performed every 6 months.

Yes, many utilities nationwide use chloramines and periodically switch to free chlorine.

No, the water will continue to meet all state and federal quality standards.

Some may notice a change in taste or smell due to the stronger disinfectant properties of free chlorine, but it has no adverse health effects.

Keep an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator for a few hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.

Use either a granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration system or a conditioner/additive with a dechlorinating chemical for both ammonia and chlorine. These products are available at pet and aquarium supply stores. Consult with your pet store or aquatic retailer for the best method.

Yes, flushing fire hydrants is part of the process, and increased flushing may be observed in predetermined areas throughout the city.

Additional information:

Hydrant flushing is essential to the chlorine maintenance process, as it ensures that all areas of the water system are thoroughly disinfected. Many other South Florida cities, such as Hollywood and Miami, conduct similar operations to maintain system integrity. Increased flushing in specific neighborhoods helps keep the entire water system safe and clean.

Chloramine is used most of the time because it provides longer-lasting disinfection as water travels through pipes to customers' taps. It also has fewer taste and odor issues compared to free chlorine.

If you have specific health concerns, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider. You can also use filters that remove chlorine and chloramine for drinking and cooking water.

Additional information:

The EPA recommends that people with compromised immune systems, kidney dialysis patients, and those with specific health concerns consult their doctors about any precautions during chlorine maintenance periods. The City is committed to ensuring that chlorine levels remain within safe, EPA-approved limits.

The City provides notifications through various channels such as the city website, social media, local news outlets, and direct mail to ensure residents are informed ahead of time.

No, chlorine maintenance should not affect water pressure or flow. If you notice a significant change, please contact the City's Customer Relations desk.

During chlorine maintenance, those with certain health conditions, owners of fish and amphibians, and businesses such as dialysis centers should ensure proper dechlorination measures are in place.

Yes, you can use your water as usual for all activities including drinking, bathing, cooking, and laundry.

The City’s water treatment operators continuously monitor chlorine levels to ensure they are within safe and effective ranges as set by regulatory standards.

While this is uncommon, if you experience any irritation, you may want to use bottled water for drinking and cooking. For bathing, a shower filter that removes chlorine can be used. If irritation persists, consult with your healthcare provider.

Chlorine maintenance has a minimal environmental impact. However, the City takes precautions to ensure that chlorine levels stay within safe limits, both for residents and the environment.

Contact our Customer Relations desk at 561-742-6964 or via mail at:

P.O. Box 310

Boynton Beach, FL 33425