It’s Not You, the Water May Taste a Little Different

​On March 8, the City will temporarily change the disinfectant used in the water distribution system from chloramines to free chlorine. This routine maintenance helps prevent bacteria from forming resistances to the usual chloramine disinfection process, helping ensure continued high-quality drinking water for Public Utilities customers.

Customers may temporarily notice a slight taste and odor change in the water; however, customers do not need to make any changes to their water-use routines.

The switch back to chloramines will take place on March 29, although it will be several days to a week before the chloramines will completely replace all the free chlorine in the distribution system.

The change is being made in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water. More information is available at virginiabeach.gov/water-quality. For questions or concerns, please contact the Public Utilities Water Quality Lab at (757) 385-1400.