To ensure water quality year-round, it is a common practice to implement a two-part process that includes treatment modification and pipeline flushing. PBCWUD typically conducts a semiannual water system flush twice per year, and the dates and areas for the flush will be communicated to customers via mail with their bill, via email, on social media, on pbcwater.com,  and through local media announcements. 

For most of the year, chloramine is used for drinking water disinfection. During a short period each year, disinfection switches to free chlorine. This change is part of PBCWUD's annual program to maintain water quality through our distribution system. It’s a common water treatment practice industry-wide.

Free chlorine and chloramine are common disinfectants used to remove microbial contaminants (like bacteria) from raw water once it has been extracted from the ground. Disinfection occurs during the drinking water treatment process.

Chloramine is a water disinfectant. It provides long-lasting protection as water travels from the treatment plant to your home and is very effective in large distribution systems, such as PBCWUD’s.

During the Semiannual Water System Flush, you may notice PBCWUD out in your community conducting hydrant flushing. This is a common practice for many U.S water systems to bring freshly treated water to distant parts of the pipeline network. This process helps maintain healthy levels in all parts of the distribution network, which keeps the water safe to drink as it moves, sometimes miles from the treatment to your tap.

PBCWUD routinely collects and tests water samples to monitor for chloramine and chlorine levels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the safe use of chlorine and chloramine. For information on water quality visit: www.pbcwater.com/WaterQuality​

During the temporary switch, some customers may notice a stronger chlorine smell or taste in their drinking water. The taste and smell are not a health risk, and all levels continue to meet EPA standards. Follow PBCWUD on social media, sign up for our email newsletter at the bottom of this page here​, and visit our websit, pbcwater.com for more information each year on when the flushes will be scheduled. 

We recommend refrigerating tap water in an open pitcher. Within a few hours, the taste and odor will disappear.

Dialysis centers, medical facilities, and aquatic pet or tropical fish tank owners should take precautions during the temporary switch to chlorine. For questions regarding dialysis and the flush, please contact your physician or kidney dialysis center.

No. Contact your local pet store for the appropriate water treatment for fish tanks.

Chlorination of drinking water in the U.S. began in the early 20th century, around the 1900s, to combat waterborne diseases. Chlorine is typically added to drinking water at treatment plants through a controlled process to ensure proper disinfection.

Chlorine disinfection is a common practice used by many municipalities across the United States to ensure safe drinking water. When used at regulated levels, chlorine in drinking water is considered safe for public consumption.

Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department uses chloramine for its longer-lasting disinfection properties and lower production of disinfection byproducts. The process applies to the utility’s eastern region service system, from West Palm Beach to Boca Raton. PBCWUD’s western region service system is not affected by this process, and no changes are made for customers in Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay.

Notifications about upcoming chlorine maintenance will be provided through public announcements and direct communication where applicable. PBCWUD customers will receive a notice in their bill the month before the system flush is scheduled to take place. If you have opted out of paper bills, and receive e-bills, a link will appear at the bottom of your bill to take you to the monthly bill message. Announcements will be posted on the utility website, pbcwater.com, and on social media @PBCWUD. Customers who have opted-in to our monthly email newsletter, will also receive an update via email, separate from their bill.

During chlorine maintenance, there may be temporary changes to water pressure or flow, but these should normalize quickly. Should you ever experience an extreme drop in pressure, and haven’t been notified that a PBCWUD crew is working in the area, please call our Communications team at 561-740-4600, menu option 1 for emergency assistance 24/7.

Yes, if the fire hydrant is flowing, it may be part of the free chlorination process to help flush the system. During the Semiannual Water System Flush, you may notice PBCWUD out in your community conducting hydrant flushing. This is a common practice for many U.S water systems to bring freshly treated water to distant parts of the pipeline network. This process helps maintain healthy levels in all parts of the distribution network, which keeps the water safe to drink as it moves, sometimes miles from the treatment to your tap.

Free chlorine can improve water quality by reducing microbial contaminants, but it may alter the taste or smell temporarily. To learn more about this process, and about the utility’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality drinking water, please read the Water Quality Report. PBCWUD’s annual Water Quality Report is released each June and includes the previous calendar year’s data. Click here to view the current Water Quality Report.

Yes, many other cities and municipalities perform regular chlorine maintenance as part of their water treatment processes.