BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — Palm Beach County Water Utilities will temporarily modify its drinking water treatment process beginning Jan. 2 as part of a routine, semiannual system maintenance effort.

From Jan. 2 through Jan. 22, the utility will switch from chloramine to free chlorine for water disinfection. The change is temporary and the water will remain safe to drink throughout the modification period, according to the county.

The process, known as line flushing and treatment modification, is described by the utility as an industry best practice. It is used periodically as a precautionary step to help maintain water quality across the distribution system.

County officials said drinking water treatment operations will continue to meet all state and federal regulatory standards during the three-week period.

For most customers, no action is required.

However, the temporary change may affect customers who use water for specialized or sensitive purposes. That includes fish, amphibian, and reptile tanks; businesses such as stores and restaurants that maintain aquariums or holding tanks for fish and shellfish; and medical facilities such as hospitals, blood centers, dialysis clinics, and individuals who use home dialysis equipment.

Those customers are advised to take appropriate steps to manage chlorine levels during the modification and to consult with professionals on how to remove chlorine residuals if necessary.

For Boca Post readers, this means those that live in unincorporated Boca Raton and other areas services by Palm Beach County Water Utilities may notice the water is a little different this month.

For residents who are particularly sensitive to the taste or odor of chlorine, the county recommends filling an open container with drinking water and refrigerating it for a few hours. Allowing the water to sit uncovered helps the chlorine dissipate naturally.

The temporary treatment change will not affect customers in Belle Glade, Pahokee, or South Bay.

Palm Beach County Water Utilities said the switch back to chloramine will occur after the maintenance period concludes later in January.

Customers with questions or concerns about the temporary change can contact Palm Beach County Water Utilities at (561) 740-4600 and select option 1 for additional information.

Source: Palm Beach County Water Utilities