Residents of Miami-Dade County, take note: your tap water is about to undergo its annual change in taste and smell. From September 9 to September 22, the Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is set to temporarily switch its water treatment process from combined chlorine to free chlorine. This change, performed in coordination with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and the Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER), is part of an effort to ensure that the water distribution systems are thoroughly cleansed, according to an announcement on the county's official website.
For starters, you might detect a more pronounced chlorine odor or flavor when you turn on your tap. The department reassures, however, that "This temporary condition will not cause any adverse health effects." Despite the altered sensory experience, the water remains safe to drink and use for all usual purposes. The adjustment in the water treatment is a scheduled maintenance measure, and while it might be a bit off-putting, it's nothing harmful.
Folks can expect to see WASD employees out and about, working on the water lines throughout Miami-Dade during the two-week period. These operations are to ensure that the entirety of the county's distribution system receives this free chlorine treatment. "You may notice department employees flushing water lines throughout the County during this period," the county article states. Residents might experience temporary drops in water pressure or spot some cloudy water coming from their faucets due to this effort.
If cloudiness occurs, let your taps run for a couple of minutes – the county recommends three to five – until clarity is restored. Despite the possible murkiness, the WASD insists that "This temporary cosmetic issue does not impact water quality," and it is all in service of the continued delivery of safe, reliable drinking water. For any concerns or queries on water quality, Miami-Dade has provided contact numbers for its Laboratory Division, depending on your residing north or south of SW 8th Street.
