Clearwater tap water may smell and taste different for three weeks starting Monday, Sept. 21, as Pinellas County Utilities switches its disinfection method from chloramine to chlorine.
The semiannual maintenance runs through Saturday, Oct. 10, according to the county. Water pressure and service will not be affected, and the supply will continue to meet all federal and state drinking water standards.
The switch matters to Clearwater because the city buys roughly 40% of its daily water from Pinellas County Utilities, according to city water quality records. Clearwater uses about 11 million gallons of potable water a day. About 60% comes from city-owned groundwater wells.
Customers in Belleair, Pinellas Park and Safety Harbor are also affected.
The water remains safe. Pinellas County Utilities called the process routine, saying it improves water quality and helps prevent problems in the distribution network. WTSP reported Sept. 9 that the county described the method as one that reduces the need to flush millions of gallons of drinking water.
The county said there have been no indications of significant bacteriological contamination in the system.
Dialysis patients, fish owners face precautions
Kidney dialysis patients are not expected to be affected, but the county recommends contacting a dialysis care provider as a precaution. Fish owners who already have a system to remove chloramines should not see a change, but the county suggests checking with a local pet supplier.
Tips to cut chlorine taste and smell
Clearwater's Sunshine Lines newsletter, published in May for the spring round of the same maintenance, offered three tips:
- Run the tap for a few moments before using it.
- Fill a pitcher and let it sit for several hours so residual chlorine can dissipate.
- Install or replace a carbon filter on kitchen or bathroom faucets or showerheads.
Residents with questions can call Clearwater Public Utilities at 727-562-4960 or Pinellas County Utilities Customer Service at 727-464-4000. More information is available at pinellas.gov/utilities.
The maintenance ends Oct. 10 with no public meeting or action required.
