Aventura tap water shifts to chlorine disinfection Sept. 28

Miami-Dade's water utility switches to free chlorine disinfection on Monday, Sept. 28, and Aventura-area residents may notice a stronger taste or smell from the tap.

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) announced in a Sept. 21 press release that the two-week conversion will run through Sunday, Oct. 11. The department has conducted the annual flush for more than 30 years in partnership with the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and the Miami-Dade Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources.

Free chlorine replaces the standard chloramine during the treatment process. WASD describes it as an effective method of cleansing water distribution pipes.

The change is temporary.

WASD said the stronger chlorine taste or smell will not cause adverse health effects for the general public. Two groups should take extra precautions, according to the department's announcement: dialysis patients should contact their doctor, and owners of tropical fish or managers of restaurants and stores with fish-holding tanks should consult aquarium maintenance professionals before the conversion begins.

WASD crews will flush water lines across Miami-Dade County during the two-week window. That flushing may cause brief periods of lower water pressure or cloudy tap water. Residents who notice cloudy water should let the tap run for three to five minutes until it clears.

The City of Miami Beach confirmed the conversion dates on its official account, calling it WASD's "yearly chlorine purge."

WASD's countywide announcement covers all of Miami-Dade, which includes Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach and Golden Beach, though it does not name individual cities.

Residents north of Southwest Eighth Street with water-quality questions can call WASD's Laboratory Division at 786-552-4738. Those south of SW 8th Street can call 786-552-4181. Normal chloramine disinfection resumes after Oct. 11.