Tampa Water Department to Temporarily Change Disinfection Process
The Tampa Water Department will temporarily switch its water disinfection process from Monday, June 9, 2025, through Monday, June 30, 2025. This is a routine preventative measure that protects Tampa’s drinking water quality by preventing bacteria from occurring in our water mains and service lines.
What is happening: During this period, the department will use chlorine instead of chloramine (a mix of ammonia and chlorine) to disinfect the drinking water.
Customers who are sensitive to chlorine may notice a stronger smell or taste of chlorine during this time. They can take the following steps to minimize the impact:
- Run the faucet for a few minutes before using tap water.
- Fill a pitcher of water and let it sit for several hours to allow any residual chlorine to evaporate.
- Consider installing a carbon filter on kitchen/bathroom faucets or shower heads or replacing existing filters with new ones.
Individuals and business owners who already take special steps to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities, and aquatic pet owners, will want to take the same precautions during this temporary switch to chlorine.
For more information, contact City of Tampa Utilities at (813) 274-8811 or visit tampa.gov/ChlorineDisinfection.