The numbers, by side of town
| South (Fort Lauderdale) | North (Pompano Beach) | |
|---|---|---|
| Disinfectant | Chloramines | Chlorine and chloramines |
| 2025 level | 2.3 ppm average | 3.36 ppm highest running annual average |
| Range of results | 1.9 to 2.8 ppm | 0.61 to 4.0 ppm |
| Limit (MRDL) | 4.0 ppm | 4.0 ppm |
Both are within limits. The difference matters for how quickly a filter's carbon is used up.
Why plain carbon may struggle
- Chemistry: chloramine is chlorine bound to ammonia, and it reacts more slowly with standard carbon.
- Contact time: small cartridges with fast flow give it too little time.
- Capacity: at 2 to 4 ppm, small filters can be exhausted early.
What to look for
- Catalytic carbon or media designed for chloramine.
- A chloramine reduction claim in the exact model's NSF/ANSI 42 listing; a chlorine claim alone does not cover chloramine.
- Sizing for your peak flow.
Living Water describes its Puronics Clarius iGen and Goodspring whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine. More in the chloramine filter guide.
Free chlorine periods
Pompano Beach says its crews occasionally perform flushing and free chlorine treatments as routine maintenance, and the Town links residents to information about free chlorination. During those weeks the water can smell more like a pool. A chloramine-rated filter handles free chlorine too. Aquarium owners should check with a pet store about dechlorination.
House or kitchen
A whole-home system treats showers and every tap. In a condo, an under-sink RO with chloramine-capable carbon covers drinking water.
Why the readings vary within the year
Pompano Beach's reported range runs from 0.61 to 4.0 ppm, and Fort Lauderdale's from 1.9 to 2.8 ppm. Levels change with season, water use, distance from the plant and how long water sits in pipes. A filter should be sized for the high end, not the average, so it keeps working in the weeks when the residual is strongest.
Who to call about disinfectant changes
North of Pine Avenue, call Pompano Beach at 954-942-2202 for water issues; its lab answers quality questions at 954-545-7018. South of Pine Avenue, call Fort Lauderdale at 954-828-8000. Check your utility's website for notices about free chlorine periods.
Jorge tests total and free chlorine at your tap. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/files/d3f21c58-5644-4f14-9cf9-49b1020de2fd/2025-Water-Quality-Report.pdf
https://cdn.pompanobeachfl.gov/city/pages/utilities/Final-2025-Water-Quality-Report.pdf
https://www.pompanobeachfl.gov/residents/utilities/water
https://www.lauderdalebythesea-fl.gov/265/Utilities
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist