Residents of Palm Beach County, mark your calendars for a slight shift in your water's taste and smell. The Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department has announced its semiannual system maintenance will commence on July 5, 2024. This process, involving the temporary use of free chlorine instead of chloramine, is meant to ensure the continued safety and cleanliness of the drinking water. According to Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, the process is "routine and an industry best practice."
From July 5 through July 27, Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department will be performing this water treatment modification, which is a routine precaution to properly maintain the water quality. The department assures that during this period, the water is safe to drink and that all modifications follow the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department suggests for those with heightened sensitivity to the chlorine taste to simply allow the water to chill in an open container for some hours, which will help to swiftly dissipate the chlorine.
Special attention is called for users of home dialysis machines, tropical fish enthusiasts, and businesses like restaurants that maintain fish and shellfish tanks. These groups need to seek professional advice "for removing chlorine residuals" as indicated by Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department. The department highlights that the temporary treatment changes will not affect customers in certain areas, including Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, keeping their water systems unchanged.
Anyone needing additional information or guidance during this treatment window can to directly reach out to Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department. The department stands ready to engage with the community on these matters by phone at (561) 740-4600, prompting callers to select option #1 for assistance. This proactive outreach aims to handle any potential questions or concerns residents may harbor regarding the water treatment process.
