Tampa water customers may notice a chlorine smell during three-week treatment change

Tampa‘s drinking-water disinfectant switch begins Monday, September 14, and some customers may notice a stronger chlorine taste or smell at the tap.

The Tampa Water Department is temporarily replacing monochloramine with chlorine for routine system maintenance. The change is scheduled to continue through Monday, October 5, with chloramine disinfection expected to resume by October 6.

Water remains safe, city says

The city says the water remains safe to drink and use during the treatment change. Tampa also says residents do not need to boil their water.

The temporary switch may affect the water’s taste or odor without indicating a contamination event or boil-water advisory. Customers who notice a stronger chlorine smell can briefly run their taps, let water sit in a pitcher for several hours, or use a carbon filter to reduce the taste or odor.

Guidance for dialysis, medical and aquarium users

Dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquarium or aquatic-pet owners should review their existing water-treatment procedures during the change.

Chlorine and chloramine removal requirements can differ. Tampa advises affected operations to confirm that their procedures accommodate chlorine with qualified professionals. People with individual health questions or concerns should contact their healthcare providers.

Five Hillsborough neighborhoods may also be affected

Hillsborough County says the change may extend to Tampa-supplied customers in five named neighborhoods: East Lake, Fairview Mobile Home Park, Hershel Heights, Pebble Creek and Seaboard.

The county guidance does not indicate that all Hillsborough County water customers are affected. The listed neighborhoods receive water supplied by Tampa.

When normal treatment is scheduled to return

The temporary chlorine treatment is scheduled to end October 5. Chloramine disinfection is scheduled to return by October 6, 2026.

Customers seeking additional information can contact Tampa Utilities at (813) 274-8811.

Sources

• Hillsborough County notice for Tampa-supplied customers
• City of Tampa chlorine disinfection guidance