The City of Hollywood Department of Public Utilities began its Annual Breakpoint Chlorination, AKA Free Chlorination,” System Flushing Program on July 22, 2023. The free chlorination portion of this program will end August 27, 2023. Water distribution system line flushing may continue across the city for an additional two weeks to achieve optimal system maintenance through September 7, 2023.
The Annual Flushing Program changes the water disinfection type temporarily and uses high water volume pressure to rid the water distribution pipes of accumulated sediments. Flushing is accomplished by Utility Staff opening hydrants in a systematic manor and may temporarily cause cloudy or discolored water. The water should settle and clear within a few hours after pipes have been flushed. The cloudiness comes from sediments in the pipes and is not harmful or hazardous.
Flushing typically takes place in the evening hours between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m. (midnight) when the demand for water is low. During the water line flushing period, the Water Treatment Plant will temporarily change its method of disinfection from chloramines to free chlorination. Residents may notice a change in the taste and odor of the water during this time but the water remains safe to drink.
PLEASE NOTE: The city will discontinue Free Chlorination as of August 27, 2023. Owners and managers of businesses with fish and shellfish holding tanks and users of kidney dialysis machines are advised that regular methods for testing and removing free chlorine will not be effective during the remainder of the flushing period. It will be necessary to test and adjust for chloramines after August 27, 2023.
Should you have further questions please call City of Hollywood Water Quality at 954.967.4230 (option 2) or the Water Treatment Plant at 954.967.4230. Ask for Luis Montoya, Public Utilities Manager, or Jorge Marin, Water Treatment Plant Superintendent.
