What WASD puts in Miami's water
WASD's 2024 Water Quality Report explains that chlorine is added as the primary disinfectant and ammonia is then added to combine with it and form chloramine, a secondary disinfectant that keeps protecting the water in the pipes. For the main system serving Miami, the report lists chloramine results within the legal limit.
That residual is intentional. It is also the reason for the pool-like taste many Miami households notice in coffee, ice and the shower.
The chlorine conversion weeks
From time to time WASD temporarily switches from chloramine to free chlorine while it flushes lines across the county. The City of Doral published a notice for one of these conversions, from September 9 to 22, 2024, warning residents they might notice a stronger chlorine taste or odor. Miami homes on the same system experience the same change.
A good filter setup handles both disinfectants, so you are not surprised twice a year.
Why plain carbon can struggle with chloramine
Standard activated carbon removes free chlorine quickly. Chloramine is more stable, which is exactly why utilities use it, and it generally takes more contact time and a carbon designed for the job, often called catalytic carbon. A small pitcher or faucet filter rated only for chlorine may leave much of the chloramine taste behind.
That does not mean every small filter fails, only that the listing matters more than the label on the box.
What certification to look for
- NSF/ANSI 42 covers taste-and-odor claims, including chlorine and, separately, chloramine reduction. Check that the exact model is listed for chloramine, not just chlorine.
- For drinking-water systems, look at the full list of reduction claims on the model's certification listing.
- Ask how often the media must be replaced to keep that performance.
Living Water describes its Puronics whole-home systems as removing chlorine and chloramine. Our guide on choosing a filter for chloramine goes deeper.
Whole-home or kitchen only?
If the smell bothers you in the shower and laundry, treat the whole house with a whole-home system on the main line. That fits most single-family houses. In a Brickell or Downtown condo where you cannot reach the main line, an under-sink alkaline RO system handles drinking and cooking water. Many houses use both. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974 for a free test.
https://www.miamidade.gov/water/library/reports/water-quality-2024.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