NOTICE
City of Riviera Beach USD Water System
PWS# 450-1229
SYSTEM FLUSHING AND TEMPORARY MODIFICATIONS OF DISINFECTION TREATMENT PROCESS
Dear Valued Utility Customer:
In accordance with a program recommended by the Health Department, the City of Riviera Beach Water Utility Special District will conduct a "free chlorine flush", of the water system starting Monday, May 18, 2026, through Sunday, June 7, 2026. During this free chlorine flush, the disinfection process will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine. Free chlorine is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant. The city will accomplish this strictly precautionary
measure to ensure that our drinking water supply remains free of bacteria which forms on surfaces in contact with water. These surfaces include water storage tanks and water pipes leading to houses.
Possible Noticeable Effects: It is important to understand that during this temporary change there may be some discoloration or cloudiness in the water and possibly a slight chlorine odor or taste. If you experience this situation, you may want to run the water through the tap until it clears. Also, if you are especially sensitive to the taste or odor of chlorine, keep an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator for a few hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate. Utility District staff will conduct fire hydrant flushing to remove the majority of the color and odor, but some may reach customer lines during the process. These are temporary conditions and will not cause adverse health effects.
Is the Water Safe to Drink? Yes, the water is safe to drink throughout this process. Any odor and color issues will be nuisance only, which will subside as the flushing is completed. Discoloration in laundry is possible during this time. Cleaning additives are readily available at local stores to help prevent or remove any discoloration that may occur. Customers who use tap water for kidney dialysis at home should consult their doctor to advise them if any changes are necessary in their residual disinfectant neutralization procedures. Customers utilizing the water for aquariums should monitor both free and combined chlorine residuals.
During normal business hours residents and businesses may call (561) 845-4185 with any questions concerning the free chlorine burnout. The City of Riviera Beach Utility District appreciates the patience and understanding of its residents as it works to further improve the quality of the water for all customers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Chlorination
What is Free Chlorination?
Free chlorination is a temporary process that distributes free chlorine in place of combined chlorine (or chloramines) throughout the water distribution system as part of routine distribution system maintenance.
Free chlorination is a common practice used by water producers using the chloramine treatment method. It is typically performed once or twice per year over a two to four-week time-period to remove biofilms from inside the distribution pipes.
What is Free Chlorine?
Free Chlorine is the use of chlorine-only, which is a stronger disinfectant than chloramines.
What are Chloramines?
Chloramines are a disinfectant used in drinking water, which combines chlorine and ammonia together.
How is chlorine added to drinking water?
Water treatment operators may chlorinate drinking water using either chlorine gas, liquid sodium hypochlorite solution (bleach), or dry calcium hypochlorite. The USD uses sodium hypochlorite.
How common is chlorine disinfection of drinking water?
Chlorine is by far the most commonly used drinking water disinfectant in all regions of the world. Today, about 98 percent of U.S. water treatment systems use some type of chlorine disinfection process to help provide safe drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires treated tap water to contain a detectable level of chlorine to protect against germs as it flows from the treatment plant to consumers’ taps.
Is chlorine in drinking water safe?
The small amount of chlorine added to disinfect drinking water in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations is safe for consumption. According to EPA, allowable chlorine levels in drinking water (up to 4 parts per million) pose “no known or expected health risk.
How long will the free chlorination process last?
This is a temporary process that will last approximately three weeks.
Do other cities perform free chlorination?
Yes. This a common industry practice. There are many utilities in Palm Beach County and throughout the country that use chloramines as a distribution system disinfectant which convert to free chlorine on a periodic basis.
Does free chlorination change or affect water quality?
No, the drinking water still meets all State and Federal water quality standards.
Will I notice a change in my water?
Some people may notice a change in the taste or odor during this time, but adverse health effects are not expected.
Why does my water taste/smell different?
Your water may taste or smell different because the Utility Special District is temporarily changing its disinfection process. There will be a change from chloramines to chlorine only. Water systems using chloramines periodically change to chlorine as part of a maintenance program within the water distribution system. During this temporary change to chlorine, you may notice a slight difference in the taste or smell of your tap water.
What can I do to improve the water taste/smell?
We suggest storing water in an open pitcher and placing it in your refrigerator. The chlorine will naturally dissipate from the water, and will become less noticeable. Also, colder water tastes better.
Why are you doing this during this time of the year?
As part of our commitment to provide safe and reliable water, the Utilities plant staff always monitor the water to determine when the system might need treatment change.
What are the methods for removing chlorine/chloramines from fish aquariums?
Just as with chlorine, chloramines can harm all saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles, shellfish, and amphibians that live in water. Commercial establishments and hobbyists involved in fish rearing need to take precautions. There are two methods that can be used to remove or neutralize chloramines before adding water to a fish tank, pond, or aquarium: (1) Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration system specifically designed to remove chloramines, or (2) conditioner or additive that contains a de-chlorinating chemical for both ammonia and chlorine. It’s always best to get professional advice before proceeding.
I notice the hydrant on my street flowing. Is this part of the free chlorination process?
Flushing fire hydrants is a routine part of the free chlorination process. This will occur in various parts of the City, as a result, increased flushing may be observed during this time.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THE CITY OF RIVIERA BEACH IS SET TO COMMENCE A “FREE CHLORINE FLUSH” PROJECT
RIVIERA BEACH, FL (May 15, 2026) – The City of Riviera Beach is set to commence a “Free Chlorine Flush” project beginning Monday, May 18, 2026 to Sunday, June 7, 2026.
During this time, utility customers and residents may experience some discoloration in the water and a slight chlorine odor or taste. If you experience this situation, you may run the water through the tap until it clears. Please be advised that this is normal and the water is safe to drink and use during this process, which was recommended by the State Department of Health. However, avoid using chlorine bleach in your laundry during this time to avoid discoloration.
The City of Riviera Beach Utility Special District is consistently undertaking activities that serve to strengthen its water treatment and distribution services. Free Chlorine Flushing is a temporary disinfection process using free chlorine. This process is used because free chlorine is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant than the combined treatment usually in use.
The Utility uses this process strictly as a precautionary measure to ensure that our drinking water distribution system remains in the best possible condition. Once the free chlorine flush is complete, the system will revert to the standard combined disinfection system.
For additional information, please refer to the attached document entitled “Frequently Asked Questions About Free Chlorination.”
For media inquiries and more information, please contact:
Brittany Thomas
Public Information Officer
Bthomas@rivierabeach.org
C: 561-371-1533