Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay tap water will taste and smell different for two weeks starting Monday, Sept. 28. Miami-Dade County is switching its disinfection method at every regional water treatment plant.

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) will replace its usual combined chlorine treatment with free chlorine through Sunday, Oct. 11, according to a WASD public notice. The department said free chlorine provides stronger disinfection and is an effective method for cleaning the county's water distribution system.

The switch is not new.

WASD has performed the annual conversion since 1983, according to a Town of Surfside notice relaying the department's announcement. The department coordinates the conversion each year with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and the Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, according to the City of Miami Beach.

The Village of Palmetto Bay posted the notice on its X account and Instagram page on Thursday, Sept. 17, directing residents to the WASD website for details.

What residents may notice

WASD said the chlorine taste or smell is temporary and will not cause adverse health effects. Residents may also see:

  • Lower water pressure at times while crews flush fire hydrants in their area
  • Discolored water as hydrant flushing loosens rust and sediment from pipes

The City of Miami Beach, relaying WASD guidance, said discolored water is still chlorinated, disinfected and safe to drink. If water appears cloudy, residents should let the tap run for three to five minutes until it clears.

The City of Miami Beach's notice also flagged a temporary possibility of higher levels of trihalomethanes, a disinfection byproduct, and said this will not result in adverse effects.

Who should take extra precautions

Pets are not affected, with one exception: tropical fish. WASD advised tropical fish owners, along with restaurant and store managers who maintain fish holding tanks, to consult aquarium maintenance professionals during the two-week window.

Dialysis patients should contact their doctor during the conversion period, according to WASD guidance relayed by the City of Miami Beach.

How to get more information

Residents with questions can call WASD customer relations at (305) 274-9272 or visit the department's website at miamidade.gov/global/water/home.page. The free chlorine treatment ends Oct. 11.