Method of Drinking Water Treatment to Temporarily Change

Method of Drinking Water Treatment to Temporarily Change

Published on September 10, 2025

The method of water treatment used by Pinellas County Utilities and the city of Clearwater will be temporarily modified from Sept. 22 to Oct. 11. This short-term change from chloramines to chlorine disinfection is a routine maintenance measure designed to maintain system integrity. Those impacted include Pinellas County Utilities customers as well as city of Clearwater customers.

Kidney dialysis patients should not be impacted, but they should contact their dialysis care provider for more information about chlorine treatment. Fish owners should not be affected if they already have a system in place to remove chloramines, but they should contact local pet suppliers with any questions.

This disinfection program is designed to maintain distribution system water quality and minimize the potential for future problems. The water will continue to meet Federal and State standards for safe drinking water. Customers may notice a difference in taste and/or odor of the water during this temporary change in treatment. Conditions experienced by utility customers will be identical to the more than 50 years of use prior to 2002, when chlorine was used as the primary disinfectant in the water.

"The annual chlorine maintenance process continues to run smoothly every year, thanks to the cooperation and commitment from our customers," said Richard Gardner, Public Utilities Director. "We thank our customers in advance for their patience as maintenance procedures resume."

Pinellas County Utilities uses chloramines and periodically switches to chlorine for a short period to maintain system water quality. The county switched to chloramines in 2002 to ensure compliance with Environmental Protection Agency standards.

For more information, see Pinellas County's list of frequently asked questions, or go to the city's website on the water maintenance program. Residents may also call Clearwater Public Utilities at (727) 562-4960.