The numbers from the county
| Item | 2025 eastern data |
|---|---|
| Disinfectant | Chloramine (chlorine and ammonia) |
| Highest running annual average | 3.04 ppm |
| Range of individual results | 0.07 to 4.53 ppm |
| MRDL | 4 ppm |
| Violation | No |
The report notes the highest single result represented 1 of 3,573 samples. The wide range reflects a large system: water close to a plant and water at the far end of the pipes can read differently.
The twice-a-year chlorine flush
PBCWUD changes from chloramine to chlorine only twice a year to clean the pipes, and flushes hydrants at the same time. The county says chlorine must be removed from water used for kidney dialysis and aquariums. Western customers in Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay are not affected because that system uses chlorine year-round; Greenacres is in the eastern system, so it is. Many residents notice a stronger smell during those weeks.
Why plain carbon may struggle
Chloramine is more stable than free chlorine, which is why utilities use it across long pipe networks. That same stability means a basic carbon pitcher, fridge filter or shower cartridge may not have enough contact time to handle it well. Systems built for chloramine use media designed for it, such as catalytic carbon, sized for your flow. See choosing a filter for chloramine.
Certification to look for
- NSF/ANSI 42 includes a chloramine reduction claim separate from chlorine. Make sure chloramine is listed for the exact model.
- Check rated capacity; performance applies only within it.
- Match the model number on the certifier's listing.
Living Water describes its Puronics Clarius iGen and Goodspring whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine. Ask Jorge for the specifications of any model he recommends.
Whole-home or kitchen only
If the shower smell bothers you, treat the whole house with a whole-home system. If you mainly care about drinking water, an under-sink RO with carbon stages covers the kitchen tap. Many households start with one and add the other later.
Measure it at your tap
Jorge measures total chlorine at your kitchen tap and explains how it compares with the county's range. If your reading is far from the county's average, he will look at whether water is sitting in a seldom-used line or whether the test happened during a chlorine-only period. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
https://discover.pbc.gov/waterutilities/PubDoc/CCR_2025.pdf
https://discover.pbc.gov/waterutilities/Pages/Water-Quality.aspx
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist