How chloramine gets into Miami Lakes water
At the Hialeah and Preston plants, which generally serve the area north of SW 8 Street, chlorine is the primary disinfectant. Ammonia is then added to combine with it and form chloramine, a secondary disinfectant that protects the water in the distribution system. WASD's 2025 report lists main-system chloramine from not detected to 4.0 ppm, with a 2.5 ppm running annual average, under the maximum of 4.
The switch the town announced
The Town of Miami Lakes posted WASD's 2026 annual chlorine conversion, September 28 through October 11. For those two weeks WASD uses free chlorine instead of chloramine and flushes hydrants, a practice it has followed since 1983. Residents may notice a chlorine taste or smell, slightly lower pressure, or temporary discoloration. The notice advises dialysis patients, aquarium owners and businesses with fish tanks to get professional guidance on removing chlorine residuals.
Why basic carbon struggles
Chloramine is more stable than chlorine, so it needs more contact time and the right media. A small cartridge that handles chlorine well may let much of the chloramine pass. Larger whole-home tanks give the water more contact time. Read choosing a filter for chloramine.
That's also why a filter that worked well in a city using plain chlorine may disappoint after a move to Miami Lakes.
Certification to check
Look for NSF/ANSI 42 certification that specifically lists chloramine reduction, and confirm the exact model on the certifier's listing. Living Water describes its Puronics whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine.
Certification applies to the tested model and its rated capacity; a different cartridge size or an off-brand replacement may not carry the same listing.
Choosing where to treat
- Whole-home: every shower, sink and the laundry. See whole-home filtration in Miami Lakes.
- Kitchen RO: drinking and cooking water. See under-sink RO.
- Both: common in family homes.
If only the drinking water bothers you, kitchen RO alone may be enough; if the shower smell bothers you, only whole-home treatment reaches it.
Who notices it most
People who drink straight from the tap, coffee and tea drinkers, and anyone who takes long hot showers. Aquariums always need water treated for fish. Jorge measures total chlorine at your tap so you know your starting point. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
Restaurants and coffee shops in the town's business areas often filter for the same reason: taste.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamilakes-fl.gov/miami-dade-water-and-sewer-department-announces-annual-chlorine-conversion/
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist