Does Your Tampa Water Have A Chlorine Smell

If your Tampa tap water smells like chlorine, it’s likely due to the disinfection process used by the local water treatment authorities. Chlorine is commonly added to drinking water as a disinfectant to kill harmful microorganisms and ensure the safety of the water supply.

Chlorine plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our drinking water in the Tampa Bay area. As a halogen, it’s highly effective in eliminating most pathogens, those microscopic organisms that can pose a health risk when present in water. It’s worth noting that while high doses of chlorine can be harmful, the levels found in our tap water are typically well within safe limits. The CDC states Chlorine levels up to 4 milligrams per liter (mg/L or 4 parts per million (ppm)) are considered safe in drinking water. Tampa Bay Water reported levels of .5 parts per billion in Tampa’s water in 2022.

Many times, particularly if there is a warm front in the spring, bacteria/algae blooms near the water source makes it necessary to add more chlorine to reduce the growth of microorganisms and keep the bug population low. This is an example of loading disinfectants into a system. This can also be prevalent after a known treatment issue or boil water alert.

Chlorine and chloramines are common disinfectants used in water treatment, but they have important differences.

Chlorine is typically used in the form of elemental chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite and acts quickly, disrupting microorganisms’ cell structures. However, it can dissipate rapidly and may cause taste and odor issues.

Chloramines, formed by combining chlorine and ammonia, particularly monochloramine, offer a longer-lasting residual effect and are less likely to affect taste and odor. They are also associated with lower levels of regulated disinfection by-products like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids.

Cities have commonly used both chlorine and chloramine chemicals to treat municipal drinking water since the early 1920s and 30s. Chlorine became widely used during World War I when ammonia shortages reduced the availability of chloramine. As a result, chlorine remains common, but chloramine is seeing increasing adoption, especially in densely populated areas.

Some populations, specifically individuals on dialysis treatment and those with respiratory issues, may be sensitive to chloramines.

If you or your family members fall into either of these categories, it’s a good idea to check with your local drinking water provider to see if a switch is coming to your area. Chloramine is also harmful for fish and aquatic animals, so you’ll want to pay close attention if you’re used to supplementing your aquarium with tap water — or consider a chloramine filter.

Tampa Bay Water employs monochloramines as a crucial component of its water treatment process. Following the initial treatment with a primary disinfectant, it’s essential to introduce and maintain a secondary disinfectant or disinfectant residual within the distribution system to eliminate microorganisms that can pose health risks.

In Tampa Bay Water’s system, monochloramines serve as the secondary disinfectant, working in conjunction with chlorine, which remains the primary disinfectant. This dual disinfection approach ensures strict compliance with the health standards set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Furthermore, the use of monochloramines has the added benefit of reducing the formation of suspected carcinogenic compounds.

By incorporating monochloramines into the treatment process, Tampa Bay Water effectively minimizes the creation of certain regulated disinfection by-products that typically result from the interaction between chlorine and trace amounts of naturally occurring organic substances in water. Specifically, monochloramines help mitigate the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), two types of by-products associated with potential cancer risks through prolonged exposure.

It’s worth noting that all member governments served by Tampa Bay Water, including Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, have adopted monochloramines as the final disinfectant in their water treatment processes, emphasizing its importance in ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for the entire region.

In response to growing concerns about the potential long-term health risks associated with chlorine and its disinfection byproducts, some communities have been exploring alternative methods for water treatment. One notable example is the city of Las Vegas, which has taken inspiration from various European and Canadian cities by transitioning from chlorine to a safer alternative – ozone-based water disinfection.

Ozone, a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms, has gained popularity as a water treatment method due to its unique properties. One of the most significant advantages of ozone is its effectiveness over a wide pH range, making it versatile for treating water with varying acidity levels. This adaptability allows ozone to efficiently neutralize a broad spectrum of microorganisms and contaminants in the water supply, making it a robust disinfection option.

However, while ozone offers numerous benefits in terms of water treatment, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. One significant concern is the higher operational costs associated with ozone-based disinfection systems. The equipment required for ozone generation and distribution can be more expensive to install and maintain compared to traditional chlorine systems. These increased costs often involve the need for specialized infrastructure and skilled personnel to operate and manage the ozone treatment process effectively.

If you’re among those affected by the presence of chlorine and chloramines in water — and even if you’re not — you may want to consider a water filter to have fresher, better quality water in your home. There are many variations of filters, so it’s important to choose one designed specifically to remove chemicals like chlorine and chloramine.

RO systems are highly effective at removing chlorine and chloramine, providing you with cleaner, great-tasting water.