What WASD adds and why
At the Alexander Orr, Jr. plant, which generally serves South Miami, chlorine is the primary disinfectant and ammonia is added so it combines into chloramine. Chloramine keeps protecting the water through miles of distribution pipe. WASD's 2025 report lists chloramine in the main system ranging from not detected to 4.0 ppm, with the running annual average at 2.5 ppm against a maximum of 4.
The two weeks the smell changes
Each year WASD temporarily switches from chloramine to free chlorine for about two weeks and flushes hydrants to cleanse the system. In 2026, the conversion ran September 28 through October 11. During that window many households notice a stronger chlorine smell. If you keep fish or use a home dialysis machine, the county advises getting professional guidance for those weeks.
Why plain carbon can struggle
Chloramine is more stable than chlorine, so it takes more contact time and the right media to reduce it. Small carbon filters that work fine on chlorine may let much of the chloramine through. Read choosing a filter for chloramine for the details.
Contact time is the key idea. Water that rushes through a small cartridge in a second or two has little chance to react with the media. Larger whole-home tanks hold the water against the media longer, which is part of why system size matters as much as the filter type.
Certification to look for
Look for certification under NSF/ANSI 42 that specifically lists chloramine reduction, and match the exact model number on the certifier's listing. Living Water describes its Puronics whole-home systems as removing chloramine and chlorine.
Whole-home, under-sink or both
- Whole-home: treats showers, laundry and every faucet. See whole-home filtration in South Miami.
- Under-sink RO: drinking and cooking water only. See under-sink RO.
- Both: common when the household wants comfort everywhere and the best drinking water.
Who notices chloramine most
People who drink plain tap water, brew coffee and tea, or take long hot showers tend to notice chloramine the most. Aquarium owners need to treat water for fish regardless. Households with a home dialysis machine should follow their provider's guidance, as the county also advises during the annual conversion.
Measure it first
Jorge measures total chlorine at your tap so you know what you are dealing with. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974.
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