Chlorine & Chloramine Water Filter in Opa-locka

What the reports say

WASD's 2024 Water Quality Report explains its two-step disinfection: chlorine as the primary disinfectant, then ammonia added to combine with it and form chloramine, a secondary disinfectant that protects the water in the distribution system. Opa-locka's own 2024 report lists the disinfectant residual measured in the city's system at 0.2 to 4.1 ppm, against a maximum residual disinfectant level of 4 ppm, with no violation.

The two weeks each fall

Every year since 1983, WASD temporarily switches its plants from combined chlorine to free chlorine and flushes hydrants so the free-chlorine water reaches the ends of the system. In 2025 it ran October 13 to 26. The city mails and posts the notice and a fact sheet in English and Spanish. Expect a stronger chlorine taste or smell, possible brief discoloration and, at times, slightly lower pressure. The fact sheet also advises dialysis users, tropical fish owners and businesses with fish tanks to get professional advice on removing chlorine residuals during that period.

Why ordinary carbon struggles

Activated carbon removes free chlorine fast. Chloramine reacts more slowly, so it needs more contact time and usually catalytic carbon made for the job. That is why a pitcher or showerhead filter rated only for chlorine may leave the smell behind most of the year, and seem to work better in October when the water carries free chlorine. A whole-home system for chloramine is sized larger than one for chlorine alone. Our chloramine filter guide covers the details.

Certification to look for

• NSF/ANSI 42 covers taste and odor reductions; the listing should name chloramine, not just chlorine.
• NSF/ANSI 58 covers reverse osmosis drinking water systems.
• Check the exact model in the certifier's online listing, including rated flow and capacity.

Living Water describes its Puronics Clarius iGen and Goodspring whole-home systems as removing chlorine and chloramine; ask Jorge for the documents on the exact unit he quotes.

Options

Check your current filter

Pour one glass from the tap and one from your filter, let both reach room temperature, and smell them side by side. If the filtered glass still smells like a pool, the filter may not be rated for chloramine or may be spent. Jorge can measure total chlorine before and after it during the free visit. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.

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