In order to provide the most effective disinfection process, the City of
Monroe Water System is making a temporary change in the type of
disinfectant used in the water supply starting on November 20, 2017 and
ending around January 20, 2018. This will be the 4th year of us conducting
this precautionary process. It is typical for water systems that use
chloramines to temporarily change to chlorine, in order to clean water
pipes and provide a reliable disinfectant residual throughout all points in
the distribution system. Free chlorine is proven to be more effective in
killing organisms within the pipes of the distribution system.
The City of Monroe Water System monitors the disinfectant residual in the
distribution system, on a daily basis. This measurement tells us whether we
are effectively disinfecting the water supply. The disinfectant residual is
the amount of chlorine or chloramines in the distribution system. Chlorine
and chloramines are common disinfectants used by water suppliers to kill
bacteria in drinking water; therefore, if the disinfectant residual is too
low, microorganisms can potentially grow in the distribution piping.
When is this switch scheduled?
The temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine will occur November
20, 2017 through January 20, 2018. If a longer duration is required, then
we will continue to use free chlorine for as long as necessary.
What is being done?
We are going to change the distribution system disinfectant from
chloramines to free chlorine. Although the level of disinfectant will
remain the same, the type of disinfectant will change.
We will continue to monitor the chlorine levels throughout the water
system.
What should I do?
You do not need to boil your water or take other actions. This is not an
emergency. If it had been, you would have been notified immediately.
What can I do if I notice a chlorine taste or smell?
During the temporary switch, you may notice a chlorine taste and/or odor in
your drinking water. Chlorine levels will continue to meet EPA standards
and are not a health risk.
Run the cold water tap for several minutes when water is not used for
several days. Collect and refrigerate cold tap water in an open pitcher. Be sure to
collect water after running the cold water tap for two minutes.
Within a few hours, the chlorine taste and odor will disappear.
Water filters can reduce chlorine taste and smell. Be sure to use a
filter certified to meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
standards and replace the filter cartridge as recommended by the
manufacturer.
Who should take special precautions during the temporary switch to
Chlorine?
Customers who normally take special precautions to remove chloramines from
tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet
owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary
switch to chlorine. Most methods for removing chloramines from tap water
are effective in removing chlorine.