Multiple community members have taken to Reddit and local Facebook groups in recent days to describe the unusual water quality. One Pacific Beach parent said they abruptly ended their child’s bath after a pungent bleach smell filled the bathroom. Another user noted that they tested the tap water with a pool testing kit and found chlorine levels "through the roof."
A resident from La Jolla corroborated the reports, stating the water "smelled and tasted like pool water." That individual reported the incident to the City’s water dispatch line, prompting city workers to flush hydrants on their street that same evening. The City reportedly called back later to confirm the water had cleared. Despite these incidents, no official public notification has been issued as of this writing although calls for more transparency are growing.
According to the City of San Diego’s most recent Water Quality Report, last issued for 2023, the city's tap water met all state and federal safety standards. The report outlines regular disinfection practices, typically using ozone and chloramines, and maintains that average chlorine residual levels were well within the EPA’s maximum contaminant limits.
A previously issued FAQ from the City of San Diego Water Department in 2005 sheds light on a possible explanation for the strong chlorine or bleach smell currently reported by residents. According to the document, the city has historically performed temporary disinfection changes - switching from chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to chlorine-only treatments - to maintain water quality. These switches can cause a noticeable increase in chlorine odor and taste but are typically considered safe under federal and state standards. The FAQ also acknowledged that certain vulnerable populations, such as dialysis patients, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, may need to take extra precautions or consult healthcare providers during such periods.
While no official announcement has been made regarding a similar treatment change in 2025, the document illustrates how prior disinfection adjustments have led to similar public concerns. Without timely public notification or updated water quality data from the city, residents are left to speculate. Some have taken to calling the city’s 24-hour water emergency line (619.515.3525), while others have reached out to local news outlets for answers.
Residents are encouraged not to drink tap water that has an unusually strong chemical smell and to contact the city immediately with reports. We contacted the City of San Diego’s Public Utilities Department and Mayor Todd Gloria’s office for comment and received the below response.
