Margate water customers are in the middle of the city’s annual chlorine conversion
Margate’s annual water-disinfection conversion is underway, temporarily changing the citywide water distribution system from chloramines to free chlorine through Aug. 20, 2026.
The City of Margate says the program is a proactive measure intended to prevent bacterial growth in the water distribution system. The city also says the maintenance program is approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and that daily testing will continue while the change is in effect.
What is changing
From July 28 through Aug. 20, Margate is temporarily using free chlorine instead of chloramines as the disinfectant throughout its water distribution system. The conversion is scheduled to end Aug. 20; as of Aug. 4, it remains ongoing.
The city says the water is safe to drink during the conversion. Some customers may notice a stronger chlorine taste or odor, but the city says those temporary conditions should not cause adverse health effects. A noticeable change is not expected at every property.
Why some water may look different
Margate’s notice says fire-hydrant flushing during the conversion may temporarily cause cloudy or discolored water. The city says that condition should clear within a few hours, although it may not occur at every property.
Residents and property managers should monitor city updates and contact Margate if unusual conditions persist or raise concerns. The city’s Department of Environmental & Engineering Services can be reached at 954-972-0828.
Who should take extra precautions
Customers receiving dialysis who use a proportioning machine to prepare dialysate should contact their physicians or treatment facilities for instructions before using water in connection with treatment. Federal guidance says chlorine and chloramine must be removed before water is used in dialysis machines because it comes into direct contact with blood.
Residents with allergies or skin conditions should consult their physicians about any precautions involving drinking or bathing during the conversion.
Aquarium and fish-tank owners should contact a professional aquarist and use species-appropriate water treatment before adding tap water. Federal guidance says chlorine and chloramine must be neutralized or removed for aquarium use because they can harm fish and affect beneficial tank bacteria.
Property managers who pay water bills for condominium, residential-rental or commercial-rental properties should notify residents and tenants, monitor for taste, odor or appearance complaints, and follow any additional instructions issued by Margate.
What residents should do now
For ordinary household drinking use, the city says the supply remains safe during the temporary conversion. Residents may notice a temporary chlorine taste or odor change, while some properties may experience cloudy or discolored water after hydrant flushing.
Anyone with a specialized medical, treatment or aquarium-related use should rely on guidance from the appropriate provider or specialist rather than assuming ordinary drinking-water guidance applies to that use. Margate’s temporary free-chlorine conversion is scheduled to continue through Aug. 20, 2026.
Sources
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