What WASD adds and why
WASD's report explains that chlorine is the primary disinfectant and that ammonia is then added to form chloramine, a secondary disinfectant that keeps protecting the water across the distribution system. On a large system serving most of Miami-Dade, a longer-lasting residual is the point. The 2025 data show chloramines at 2.5 ppm on the main system, with results from not detected to 4.0.
Why plain carbon may struggle
- Chloramine reacts more slowly with ordinary carbon than free chlorine does.
- It needs longer contact time, which small or fast-flowing cartridges do not provide.
- A chlorine taste-and-odor claim does not cover chloramine.
That is also why the shower is where many Palmetto Bay residents notice it most: hot water releases more of the odor, and a short contact with a small filter does little. A properly sized whole-home system gives the media enough time with the water before it reaches the showerhead.
What to look for
- Catalytic carbon or media designed for chloramine.
- A chloramine reduction claim on the exact model's NSF/ANSI 42 listing.
- Sizing to peak flow, which matters in Palmetto Bay's larger homes with several bathrooms.
Living Water describes its Puronics Clarius iGen and Goodspring whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine.
The annual free chlorine conversion
For more than 30 years, WASD has scheduled an annual conversion with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade and the county's Regulatory and Economic Resources department, using free chlorine instead of chloramine to cleanse the system. In 2026 it ran September 28 through October 11. WASD said some customers may notice a chlorine taste or smell, that dialysis patients may want to contact their doctor, and that tropical fish owners should consult aquarium professionals. A chloramine-rated filter handles free chlorine too.
Newly on county water?
If your home just moved from a private well to WASD, chloramine is new to you, and it is often the first thing people notice. That is normal and within standards. If you want it gone at every tap, a whole-home system is the tool; for drinking water only, under-sink RO. Read the chloramine filter guide.
Measure it
Jorge tests total and free chlorine at your tap and explains the reading. Call, text or WhatsApp Jorge at (305) 793-5974.
https://www.miamidade.gov/resources/water/documents/2025-water-quality-report.pdf
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/news-item.page?Mduid_news=news1753893105003591
Updated 2026-10-17 · Living Waters · Jorge Canela, Water Quality Specialist