Palm Harbor tap water may taste or smell slightly different for about three weeks starting Sept. 21.

Pinellas County Utilities announced Wednesday, Sept. 9, that it will temporarily switch its disinfection method from chloramine to chlorine. The change runs through Oct. 10.

Why the County Is Making the Switch

The county described the switch as a semiannual maintenance step to improve water quality and reduce the potential for future problems in the system. Both chloramine and chlorine kill harmful bacteria in drinking water. Chloramine, a combination of chlorine and ammonia, is the county's standard disinfectant. The temporary switch to straight chlorine provides a deeper flush of the distribution pipes.

Water Quality, Pressure Won't Be Affected

The water will continue to meet all federal and state drinking water standards during the maintenance period, the county said. There have been no indications of significant bacteriological contamination problems in the system, according to the notice.

Water pressure and service will not be affected.

County communications staffer Mikayla Teixeira authored the public notice. No Pinellas County Utilities director or spokesperson was quoted by name in the release.

Which Communities Are Included in the Change

Palm Harbor residents are covered because the unincorporated community is served by Pinellas County Utilities. Customers in Belleair, Clearwater, Pinellas Park and Safety Harbor will also see the change.

Dunedin operates its own water system and is not named in the county's notice. Dunedin residents should check with their city utility to confirm whether their tap water is affected.

Precautions for Dialysis Patients, Fish Owners

The county advised kidney dialysis patients to contact their dialysis care provider as a precaution before the switch begins. Fish owners who already use a chloramine-removal system should not be affected but can contact a local pet supplier with questions.

The county described the chlorine period as temporary, running through Oct. 10. The notice did not say whether a separate announcement will mark the return to chloramine disinfection.

How to Reach Utilities With Questions

Residents with questions can call Pinellas County Utilities Customer Service at 727-464-4000.