BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — City of Boca Raton water customers may notice their tap water smelling or tasting slightly of chlorine starting this weekend, but officials say there is no cause for alarm. The city’s Utility Services Department will temporarily switch its water treatment disinfection process from chloramine to free chlorine beginning Sunday, April 12, and continuing through Sunday, April 26, 2026.
The two-week switch is a routine and industry-standard precautionary measure, officials said, designed to provide additional protection against bacteria as part of the city’s ongoing distribution system maintenance program. The water remains safe to drink throughout the process. Customers may also notice fire hydrants being flushed during this period, which could result in flowing water in streets and swales, localized drops in water pressure, and slight discoloration from the tap — all of which are temporary and not harmful to health.
Certain groups should take extra precautions during the switchover. Users of home kidney dialysis machines, owners of tropical fish aquariums, and managers of stores or restaurants with live fish and shellfish holding tanks are advised that the methods for testing and removing free chlorine differ from those used for chloramine. The city is urging anyone in those categories to seek professional guidance before April 12.
Customers with questions about the temporary change in water treatment can call the city’s Utility Services Department at (561) 338-7310 or visit the Utility Services page at myboca.us for more information. We note this is for City of Boca Raton water customers, not people who live in unincorporated Palm Beach County but may have a “Boca Raton” address.
