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Free-chlorine disinfection of water distribution system in August
August 09, 2023
The City of El Dorado Water Department will be conducting a free-chlorine disinfection of the water distribution system Aug. 1 – 31. Many water utilities use a form of chlorine called “chloramines” in treated water. The advantage of using these is that there is no smell or taste. The disadvantage is that it is a milder disinfectant. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recommends periodically switching to free-chorine to maintain a healthy distribution system.
During the switch to free-chlorine, customers may notice a chlorine taste or odor. This is perfectly normal and the water is still safe to drink.
After this process is complete, fire hydrants may be opened periodically to flush the distribution system, this may cause cloudy water. If this occurs, just flush your faucets until the water clears. You may also need to clean the faucet screens. Minor air pockets and temporary pressure fluctuations may also occur.
- Customers using tap water for kidney dialysis should properly monitor for complete neutralization of the free-chlorine disinfectant residual and should contact their doctor for more information.
- Customers using tap water for aquariums should also monitor the chlorine residual.
- If you want to remove the chlorine taste during this one-month period, there are many inexpensive faucet mounted filters that are very effective at removing chlorine.
