Pompano Beach tap water switches to free chlorine Monday, Nov. 2, to Nov. 30. It stays safe to drink, but fish tanks and dialysis patients need to plan ahead.

The City of Pompano Beach changes how it disinfects its drinking water from Monday, Nov. 2, through Monday, Nov. 30. For those four weeks the water system uses free chlorine instead of chloramines.

The city announced the change in a free chlorination notice dated Oct. 29. It covers the city’s entire water distribution system. The city called it routine maintenance that it carries out periodically. Its last notice of this kind went out in March.

“The water will remain safe to drink and use for cooking, bathing, and everyday use,” the city said.

What changes

  • Taste and smell. Some customers may notice a slight change while free chlorine is in use.
  • Hydrant flushing. Crews flush fire hydrants during the period. That can leave tap water temporarily discolored.
  • The dates. Monday, Nov. 2, to Monday, Nov. 30.

Who needs to act

Most households need to do nothing. The city singled out two groups:

  • People on kidney dialysis or with a weakened immune system. The city asked them to check with their health care provider.
  • Anyone keeping fish or shellfish in city water. That includes home aquariums and ponds, grocery stores, restaurants with lobster tanks and bait shops. The city asked them to talk to a pet or aquarium professional about how to treat the water.

What it means for you

  • If your water comes out discolored, let the faucet run until it clears.
  • If you keep fish, arrange water treatment before Monday.
  • Questions go to the city’s Utilities Billing Division customer service line, 954-786-4637.

The change ends Nov. 30. We will update this story if the city changes the dates.

For other city services, see our trash and recycling guide and who to call at City Hall.