Why Your Tap Water May Smell More Like Chlorine in Jupiter
If your tap water has smelled or tasted a little more like chlorine lately, there's a simple explanation.
The Town of Jupiter is conducting its annual Free Chlorine Maintenance Program through August 4, temporarily switching from its usual chloramine disinfection process to free chlorine. The routine maintenance helps clean and disinfect the water distribution system and is a common practice used by water utilities across Florida.
According to the Town, the water remains safe to drink and use during this period and continues to meet all state and federal drinking water standards.
What you might notice
During the maintenance period, some residents may experience:
- A stronger chlorine smell or taste
- Minor changes in the taste of tap water
These temporary changes are expected and do not affect the safety of the water for normal household use.
Who should take extra precautions?
While the water is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing, the Town advises that:
- Kidney dialysis patients should continue following guidance from their dialysis provider.
- Aquarium and fish pond owners should treat tap water before adding it to tanks or ponds, as free chlorine can be harmful to aquatic life.
Why does Jupiter do this?
Jupiter normally disinfects its water using chloramine. Once each year, the Town temporarily switches to free chlorine for several weeks to help maintain the quality of the water distribution system and reduce the buildup of naturally occurring bacteria inside water mains.
If you've noticed the difference recently, it's all part of this scheduled maintenance and is expected to end after August
Source: Town of Jupiter Utilities – Free Chlorine Maintenance Program