A couple of times a year, Pinellas County temporarily changes the way it disinfects your drinking water. It's a routine maintenance step — not an emergency, not a contamination event — but it does change how your water tastes and smells for a few weeks. Here's the plain-English version.
What's actually happening
Most of the year, Pinellas County treats its drinking water with chloramine — a longer-lasting disinfectant made by combining chlorine with a small amount of ammonia. It keeps water safe all the way through the pipes to your tap without a strong chlorine odor.
Periodically, the county temporarily switches from chloramine to free chlorine and flushes the distribution system (you may notice crews running hydrants). This is a standard, proactive practice — sometimes called a "free chlorine conversion" or "system maintenance" period — that helps keep the pipes clean and the water supply healthy. After the maintenance window, the county switches back to chloramine.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. The water stays safe to drink, cook with, and bathe in the entire time. The most you're likely to notice is a stronger chlorine taste or smell. If it bothers you:
- Run your cold tap for a minute before filling a glass or pot
- Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge — the chlorine smell fades as it sits, and cold water tastes better
- A simple carbon filter (pitcher, fridge, or under-sink) removes most of the taste and odor
Who should take a little extra care
For most households there's nothing special to do. But a few situations are worth flagging:
- Fish tanks, aquariums, and ponds. Both chloramine and free chlorine are harmful to fish — and they're removed differently. The dechlorinator you normally use may need to change during the switch, so check the label or ask your supplier.
- Kidney dialysis patients and facilities. Dialysis water must have all chlorine and chloramine removed. Providers already plan for this, but it's worth being aware of the change.
- Some businesses — like restaurants, breweries, and others sensitive to water chemistry — may want to account for the temporary difference.
When does it happen?
The county runs these maintenance windows on a periodic schedule — typically once in the spring and once in the fall, lasting a few weeks each. Exact dates and the specific areas affected can change year to year, so the best move is to confirm the current schedule for your address on the county's Water System Maintenance Program page.
Bottom line: a temporary pool-like taste around these windows is expected and safe. It's the county keeping the system clean — not a problem with your home's plumbing.
What if the chlorine taste bothers you year-round?
If your water tastes of chlorine all the time — not just during the maintenance weeks — that's usually a sign a carbon filter, a whole-home conditioner, or an under-sink reverse-osmosis system would make a real difference. And it's a good reminder that the disinfectant is just one of many things worth knowing about your water. A certified lab test tells you the whole picture — hardness, minerals, and more — so any fix is matched to what's actually there.
Want to know exactly what's in your Pinellas County water? The test is free right now, no obligation. Request a water test or call us at 727-758-9163.