Chlorine & Chloramine Water Filter in West Palm Beach

The city's disinfection, step by step

After lime softening and filtration, the city treats its water with ultraviolet light and then chloramine. The UV system, which the city calls the largest in Florida and has run since February 2019, provides redundancy in disinfection at the plant. Chloramine keeps the water protected through more than 570 miles of mains.

The 2025 Water Quality Report lists a highest running annual average total chlorine residual (chloramines) of 3.2 ppm, within the 4 ppm limit, plus a separate free chlorine reading for July 2025.

The annual summer switch

Each year the city uses free chlorine instead of chloramine for 21 days, a process it describes as required to maintain water quality, particularly in warmer months. In 2026 the period ran through July 26. During the switch:

• You may notice a stronger chlorine odor, and the city suggests letting drinking water stand in an open container for a few hours to reduce it.
• Crews may open fire hydrants to move water through the system.
• People with home dialysis machines, aquariums, or fish and shellfish operations are advised to get professional guidance on removing chlorine.

Questions go to Public Utilities at (561) 822-2210.

Why plain carbon may not be enough

Free chlorine reacts quickly with ordinary carbon. Chloramine reacts more slowly, so a small cartridge or a shower head filter may let much of it through, especially at high flow. Filters designed for chloramine use media and contact time built for it. Background: choosing a filter for chloramine.

What to look for

• NSF/ANSI 42 covers aesthetic reduction, including chlorine and, where listed, chloramine.
• Chloramine named specifically on the exact model's listing.
• A rated flow and capacity that match how your household uses water.

A filter that handles chloramine generally handles free chlorine too, so it covers the summer switch.

Fish tanks and special equipment

Chloramine and chlorine both matter for aquariums, ponds and some medical equipment. Unlike chlorine, chloramine does not leave water quickly when it stands, so the old trick of letting a bucket sit overnight is not reliable most of the year. Use a conditioner made for chloramine, and follow your equipment provider's guidance for dialysis. The city specifically flags these uses in its notices about the summer switch.

Where to filter

• Whole-home: treats showers, laundry and every tap. See whole-home filtration in West Palm Beach.
• Under-sink RO: its carbon stages reduce chloramine for drinking water and protect the membrane.
• Both: common in houses.

Measure it

Jorge measures total chlorine at your tap and, if you already own a filter, after it. Call, text or WhatsApp (305) 793-5974 for the free in-home test.

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