BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2025 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — Customers of Palm Beach County water may experience an unexpected smell or taste as the system is cleaned in early January. Palm Beach County just provided this announcement to BocaNewsNow.com:
>> In order to deliver the highest quality water to customers, Palm Beach County Water Utilities (PBCWUD) requires periodic line flushing and temporary treatment modification. These modifications to the disinfection process are routine and an industry best practice as a precautionary measure to maintain drinking water quality.
From January 2 through January 22, 2026, PBCWUD will be using free chlorine as opposed to chloramine for water treatment. This is only temporary and the water is safe to drink. PBCWUD drinking water treatment processes adhere to all regulatory standards.
PBCWUD customers who use water for specialized purposes —such as fish, amphibian and reptile tanks; stores and restaurants with fish aquariums and holding tanks for fish and shellfish; along with hospitals, blood/dialysis clinics, or users of home dialysis equipment — may need to take action to maintain appropriate water quality during this temporary modification period. These customers are advised to seek professional guidance for removing chlorine residuals.
For all other customers, there are no precautions needed. It’s recommended that customers who are sensitive to this change keep an open container of drinking water refrigerated for a few hours, allowing the chlorine to dissipate.
This process will not affect customers in Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay.
Customers needing more information on this temporary change are advised to call PBCWUD at (561) 740-4600, and select option #1. <<
