Notice of Temporary Free Chlorination Process

To maintain the highest quality of drinking water in the distribution system, Broward County will begin its semi-annual Free Chlorination process on April 27th. This maintenance procedure will continue for approximately 22 days and affects customers served by the City of Coconut Creek.

During this period, residents may notice a temporary chlorine taste or odor in their tap water. This is a normal and expected part of the process and does not pose a health risk. The free chlorination process is a common and effective method used by utilities to ensure that water remains clean and safe by flushing out the distribution system and maintaining disinfectant levels.

Because free chlorination works more effectively with hydrant flushing, residents may also see increased hydrant activity throughout the city during this time. This is part of routine maintenance and helps ensure that the water system remains in excellent working condition.

If you are sensitive to the taste or odor of chlorine, you may fill a container with tap water and place it in the refrigerator for a few hours. This allows the chlorine to dissipate naturally.

Individuals who are undergoing dialysis or have a compromised immune system should consult their healthcare provider to determine if this change in water disinfection may affect their treatment. In addition, anyone who maintains fish tanks or ponds, including restaurants, grocery stores, and bait shops with aquatic displays, should consult a pet or aquarium professional to determine whether any adjustments to filtration or treatment procedures are necessary.

Please note that it may take up to two weeks after the process ends for the chlorine to completely clear from the system, so some taste or odor changes may continue during that time.

Utilities Hydrant Flushing Program

Have you ever been driving in your car and noticed a City worker standing by a fire hydrant with water gushing out? Have you ever wondered why they’re “wasting” so much water? There are good reasons for this activity. The workers you see are hydrant flushing to maintain the safest and highest quality of water possible.

The City of Coconut Creek flushes fire hydrants throughout the service area only when required. This program samples and tests the water in the distribution system and identifies when water main flushing is needed. Flushing serves the following purposes:

• Improves water quality in the distribution system Verifies the proper operations of fire hydrants and valves Helps find weaknesses in the water system
• Checks closed valves and weak flows in the water mains Verifies adequate fire flows for fire fighting
• There are several possible times when you may see the hydrants being flushed in your neighborhood:
• To maintain disinfection residual
• Fire hydrant testing & routine maintenance Service and repair of water mains
• Taste and odor issues

The City must adhere to strict regulations from several regulatory agencies, (Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Protection Agency, South Florida Water Management District and Florida Department of Health) when flushing hydrants. Even during times of severe water conservation measures, testing results could indicate the need for flushing.

Flushing fire hydrants is one of the most important maintenance practices that can be performed on a water distribution system. The time involved in flushing can vary from a few minutes to several hours depending on the circumstances (ie; size, miles of pipes, etc…)

If you see hydrant flushing crews working in the area, please drive carefully and treat them like any other road construction crew.