What the report says
The City describes its treatment as lime softening, filtration and disinfection, and its water page lists chlorination among its processes. The disinfectant table shows chlorine at 2.6 ppm on average, 1.0 to 3.7 ppm across individual samples, against a maximum residual level of 4.0. Disinfection byproducts were TTHM at 40.78 ppb and HAA5 at 31.78 ppb, under their limits.
Many South Florida reports label the row chlorine whether the system uses free chlorine or chloramine, because both are measured as chlorine. So the label alone does not answer the question.
How a tap test answers it
- Free chlorine is the reactive part.
- Total chlorine includes free chlorine plus combined chlorine such as chloramine.
- If total is much higher than free, the water carries combined chlorine. If they are close, it is mostly free chlorine.
Jorge runs both readings at your kitchen tap and explains the numbers. You can also call the Water Treatment Plant at 954-730-2972 and ask which disinfectant the City uses.
Why plain carbon may struggle with chloramine
Chloramine is chlorine bound to ammonia. The EPA notes it is more stable and lasts longer in the pipes than free chlorine. That same stability means it reacts slowly with ordinary carbon, so small fast-flowing cartridges can let more through, and they can be used up sooner than the label suggests.
What to look for
- Catalytic carbon or media made for chloramine, if your test shows it.
- A chloramine reduction claim on the exact model's NSF/ANSI 42 listing. A chlorine taste and odor claim does not cover chloramine.
- Sizing for contact time at your peak flow, so the water spends enough time in the media when several fixtures run.
Living Water describes its Puronics Clarius iGen and Goodspring whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine, so they cover either result.
Whole-home or kitchen only
A whole-home system treats showers, laundry and every faucet. If the taste of drinking water is your only concern, an under-sink RO system with suitable carbon stages may be enough. The chloramine filter guide covers the choice in more detail.
Book the test
Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 for a free in-home test of free and total chlorine.
https://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/departments/utilities/water/water-quality-report
https://www.lauderhill-fl.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/33564/639141751477300000
https://www.epa.gov/dwreginfo/chloramines-drinking-water
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist