Wellington Utilities is temporarily changing the disinfectant used in the Village water system through Monday, October 26, 2026.

The routine maintenance began October 5 and switches treatment from chloramines to free chlorine at the water plant and throughout the distribution network.

For most households, the practical difference may be a more noticeable chlorine taste or smell at the tap.

The Village says the water remains safe to drink, with chlorine closely controlled within drinking-water requirements and daily testing used to monitor water quality.

What is changing

Chlorine and chloramine are both widely used to disinfect public drinking water, but they are not the same treatment.

The temporary change gives the system a scheduled maintenance period before Wellington returns to its regular process.

Residents do not need to boil the water simply because of this maintenance notice, and the Village has not described the program as an emergency or a boil-water advisory.

That distinction matters: a temporary taste or odor change during announced maintenance is different from a separate safety notice affecting a specific area.

If the water tastes like chlorine more than usual, the federal WaterSense guide notes that leaving an open pitcher in the refrigerator for a day or two can reduce chlorine taste and odor as it dissipates.

A treatment device certified to the NSF/ANSI 42 standard may also address aesthetic taste and odor, but residents should follow the product instructions and avoid assuming every filter handles every disinfectant.

Why hydrants may be running

Crews may flush fire hydrants while the program is underway.

The Village explains that flushing moves water through the full distribution system and helps remove sediment and minerals from pipes.

Seeing controlled water flow from a hydrant during this period can therefore be part of the planned work rather than evidence of a broken hydrant.

Drivers should still slow down around crews, avoid standing water when practical and follow any temporary traffic direction.

Special equipment and sensitive uses

People who use tap water for home dialysis should follow their equipment instructions and contact their medical provider or machine manufacturer about water treatment.

CDC guidance says dialysis water must have chemical disinfectants, including chlorine and chloramine, removed before use.

Aquariums and aquatic animals also require special care because fish, amphibians and some reptiles can be harmed by disinfectants that are safe for people to drink.

Pet owners should use an appropriate treatment product and seek advice from a qualified aquarium professional rather than relying only on letting water stand.

What residents can do now

Check the Village's free chlorine maintenance page for current dates and updates, particularly before making decisions for medical equipment, commercial systems or aquatic pets.

For a question about Wellington FL water service, contact Utility Customer Service at 561-791-4010 during its posted Monday-through-Friday hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you notice a sudden change that seems unrelated to the announced work, report the issue with your address and a clear description rather than assuming maintenance is the cause.

Residents who run restaurants, salons, medical offices or other water-dependent operations should review manufacturer and regulatory requirements for their equipment rather than applying household advice to business systems.

This scheduled program also does not justify adding bleach or other chemicals to tap water at home; doing so can create unnecessary risk.

When in doubt, ask Wellington Utilities about the municipal supply and the equipment maker about treatment at the point of use.

The useful takeaway is simple: expect a temporary chlorine taste or smell through October 26, recognize hydrant flushing as part of the process, and use the official guidance for any sensitive water use.