Chlorine & Chloramine Water Filter in Hialeah Gardens

Where the chloramine comes from

The City of Hialeah Gardens Water and Sewer Department delivers the water, but the treatment happens at Miami-Dade's plants. WASD's report explains that chlorine is added as the primary disinfectant and ammonia is added to combine with it and form chloramine, a secondary disinfectant that protects the water as it travels through the pipes. That residual is why you may notice a pool-like taste or smell.

Why ordinary carbon may struggle

• Slower reaction: chloramine reacts with carbon more slowly than free chlorine.
• Contact time: small, fast-flowing cartridges let more pass through.
• Capacity: at levels around 2 to 4 ppm, small filters can be used up sooner than expected.
• Labels: many pitchers and fridge filters list chlorine reduction only.

What to look for

• Catalytic carbon or other media designed for chloramine.
• A chloramine reduction claim on the exact model's NSF/ANSI 42 listing. A chlorine claim alone does not cover chloramine.
• Sizing to your peak flow so water gets enough contact time.

Living Water describes its Puronics Clarius iGen and Goodspring whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine.

The free chlorine weeks

Once a year WASD switches temporarily from chloramine to free chlorine to clean the distribution system. In 2026 the conversion ran from September 28 through October 11. The water may taste or smell more like chlorine and crews may flush hydrants. WASD advises dialysis patients to contact their doctor and owners of tropical fish to seek advice about removing chlorine. A filter designed for chloramine also handles free chlorine.

Whole-home or kitchen

A whole-home system handles chloramine at every shower and faucet. If you only care about drinking water, an under-sink RO with good carbon stages may be enough. See the chloramine filter guide.

Who notices chloramine most

People who move to Hialeah Gardens from a place that used free chlorine, or from a home with a filter, often notice the taste right away. Others notice it mostly in a hot shower, where the smell carries in the steam. Aquarium owners need to treat water for chloramine specifically, since some dechlorinating products are made for chlorine only. If coffee, tea or ice tastes off, the disinfectant is a common reason.

Measure it at your tap

Jorge tests total and free chlorine at your Hialeah Gardens tap and explains the reading. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.

Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist