What WASD adds, and why
WASD's Water Quality Report explains its two-step disinfection. Chlorine is added as the primary disinfectant. Then ammonia is added to combine with the chlorine and form chloramine, the secondary disinfectant that protects water as it travels through WASD's distribution system to neighborhoods like Kendall, far from the plants.
Chloramine is used because it is stable and lasts. That is good for the utility and is also why it can linger as a taste or smell at the tap.
The weeks when it smells different
WASD periodically converts the system to free chlorine for a couple of weeks as maintenance. The City of Doral, for example, published a WASD notice for September 9 to 22, 2024, warning that residents might notice stronger chlorine taste or odor during that period. Kendall is on the same WASD distribution system, so many residents notice the same change. A good filter setup handles both forms.
Why plain carbon can struggle
Ordinary activated carbon reduces free chlorine quickly. Chloramine reacts more slowly, so a filter that does well on chlorine may let more chloramine through, especially at the high flow of a shower or several taps at once. Ways manufacturers deal with it include:
- Catalytic carbon or other media designed for chloramine.
- Larger media volume so water spends more time in contact with it.
- Sizing to your household's real flow rate.
Read the full explanation in choosing a filter for chloramine.
Certification to look for
Claims are only as good as the testing behind them. For chloramine reduction, look for certification under NSF/ANSI 42 that specifically lists chloramine, and check the exact model on the certifier's listing rather than relying on a brand name. Ask for the rated capacity and flow, too.
Living Water describes its Puronics Clarius iGen and Goodspring whole-home city water systems as removing chlorine and chloramine. Jorge will show you the specifics of the model he recommends.
Whole-home, under-sink or both?
| Goal | What fits |
|---|---|
| Chloramine smell in showers and every tap | Whole-home system on the main line |
| Better drinking and cooking water only | Under-sink alkaline RO |
| Both | A whole-home system plus RO at the kitchen sink |
Shower comfort is a common reason Kendall families look at whole-home systems; see dry skin after showering.
Measure before you buy
Jorge checks chlorine and chloramine at your tap, so you know what you are filtering and can judge a system by results. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 for a free in-home test.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.cityofdoral.com/News-articles/Miami-Dade-Water-and-Sewer-Department-WASD-Chlorine-Conversion
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist