The Tampa Water Department will temporarily change its water disinfection process from Fri. May 29 through Fri. June 19. Officials said some customers may notice a slight change in the smell or taste of their drinking water, but the water will remain safe to drink and use.
During the temporary change, the department will use chlorine instead of chloramine, a mix of ammonia and chlorine, in the water treatment process.
Officials said chlorine helps prevent bacteria from growing in water mains, service lines and the water supply.
Officials recommend the following tips for customers who are sensitive to chlorine:
Run the tap for a few minutes before using water.
Fill a pitcher of water and let it sit for several hours to allow any residual chlorine to evaporate.
Consider installing a carbon filter on kitchen/bathroom faucets or shower heads, or replacing existing filters with new ones.
The department said residents and businesses who already remove chloramine from tap water should continue taking the same precautions during the temporary switch.