Chlorine & Chloramine Water Filter in Key Biscayne

Why WASD uses chloramine

WASD's treatment description says chlorine is added as a primary disinfectant, then ammonia is added to combine with chlorine and form chloramine as a secondary disinfectant that protects water in the distribution system. For an island at the end of two mains along Crandon Boulevard, that staying power is the point. It is also why the taste and smell can reach your glass.

The yearly free chlorine weeks

WASD switches its regional plants to free chlorine for about two weeks each year, a practice it says dates to 1983. In 2025 it ran October 13 to 26. During that time you may notice a stronger chlorine smell and, while lines are flushed, brief cloudy water. WASD advises running the tap three to five minutes if water looks cloudy, and suggests dialysis patients contact their doctor and aquarium owners seek professional advice.

Why plain carbon may struggle

• Chloramine reacts more slowly with ordinary activated carbon than free chlorine.
• It needs longer contact time, so small, fast cartridges let more through.
• Capacity can be used up faster than a label suggests.

What to look for

• Catalytic carbon or media designed for chloramine.
• A chloramine reduction claim on the exact model's NSF/ANSI 42 listing. Chlorine taste and odor claims alone do not cover chloramine.
• Sizing to your peak flow, for whole-home systems.

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

House or condo

In a house, a whole-home system treats every shower and tap. In a condo unit, an under-sink RO with chloramine-suited carbon handles drinking and cooking water; a shower filter rated for chloramine is another option for the bathroom.

Chloramine and specific uses

• Aquariums: chloramine must be neutralized before water goes into a fish tank; ask an aquarium professional about products, especially around WASD's free chlorine weeks.
• Dialysis at home: WASD advises dialysis patients to consult their doctor about the yearly chlorine change.
• Coffee and tea: many people notice the biggest taste difference here, which is why kitchen RO is popular.
• Plants and gardens: generally not a concern at tap levels; ask a horticulturist about sensitive species.

Measure it

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

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