Why Tampa water will smell, taste different next week

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Tampa water will smell and taste slightly different starting Monday, according to the Tampa Water Department.

As part of routine maintenance to preserve water quality, the Tampa Water Department will use chlorine instead of monochloramine.

The department said the disinfection process will last from Sept. 16 through Oct. 7.

Changing the disinfection process is common practice in the Tampa Bay area, and around the country, according to the Tampa Water Department.

Ways to minimize the impact of the switch:

• Run the tap a few minutes before every use
• Fill a pitcher with water and let it sit for several hours to allow any residual chlorine to evaporate
• Install a carbon filter on kitchen/bathroom faucets or shower heads or replace existing filters with new ones.

Chlorine, a strong disinfectant, prevents the growth of bacteria into water mains, service lines, and water.

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