Annual Water System Maintenance Planned March 6 – April 3

Temporary change in water disinfectant is essential for safe drinking water

WYLIE, TX – Feb. 27, 2023:  As a reminder, the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) will temporarily change the disinfectant in its water treatment process from March 6 through April 3, 2023. The annual, routine change is necessary to maintain the regional system and year-round water quality for the more than two million customers NTMWD serves in a 10-county region in North Texas in a 2,200-square-mile service area. NTMWD provides a capacity of more than 876 million gallons of treated water per day through more than 695 miles of transmission pipelines. For more information, visit www.NTMWD.com/SafeWater and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) at www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/disinfection/temporary-free-chlorine-conversion.

Disinfection is a critical part of the water treatment process that keeps drinking water free of harmful microorganisms, such as parasites and viruses. Disinfection involves a two-step process that first treats the water at the treatment plant and then chloramine disinfectant (chlorine + ammonia) is added to maintain water quality on its journey through the miles of pipes to homes and businesses. During the temporary change, NTMWD suspends adding ammonia and uses free chlorine to keep the water disinfected as it travels through pipes. It’s important to do this before summer because hotter temperatures can increase the potential for bacterial growth in pipes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this temporary conversion is a common practice for many water providers using chloramines for disinfection.

The absence of ammonia during these few weeks may make the chlorine disinfectant more noticeable to some people. There are simple steps to minimize taste, odor, or skin sensitivities, including placing a pitcher of water in the refrigerator overnight or adding a slice of citrus to the water. Adding a crushed 1000 mg Vitamin C tablet to bath water will neutralize the chlorine.
“Protection of public health and keeping our water safe is a top priority,” said Zeke Campbell, NTMWD Assistant Deputy for Water Treatment and Conveyance. “This common maintenance practice is an essential step in our advanced year-round treatment and disinfection process and does not increase the amount of chlorine in the system. The water remains safe to drink and use every day, and we continue to meet or surpass safe drinking water standards.”

NTMWD has conducted the temporary change in water disinfectant for over a decade and continues to meet safe drinking water standards earning recognition from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as a Superior Public Water System.
During the change, the cities and districts served by NTMWD may help move the chlorine-disinfected water through the system faster by flushing water from fire hydrants. The combination of converting to chlorine disinfectant and flushing the pipes helps maintain the system and safe water year-round.

NTMWD conducts hundreds of tests daily in a state-certified laboratory to ensure water safety. Monthly and annual water quality reports are posted online, including results of tests conducted during the annual system maintenance. Customers can view this information at www.NTMWD.com/water-testing/. The TCEQ also conducts routine sampling and testing in NTMWD and city distribution systems through an independent laboratory to confirm water quality compliance with state and federal standards.
NTMWD has posted resources www.NTMWD.com/SafeWater, including fact sheets, frequently asked questions, infographics, videos, and guidelines for questions about water quality. NTMWD also recommends that customers review the water quality information posted on their city or utility websites.

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About NTMWD
The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) was created in 1951 as a special district of the state. Today, NTMWD is a regional wholesale provider of water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal services with a service territory covering 2,200 square miles. NTMWD serves more than two million people in up to 80 communities with drinking water, 1.4 million people with wastewater collection and treatment, and 930,000 people with waste management services.

Source: https://www.ntmwd.com/annual-water-system-maintenance-planned-march-6-april-3-temporary-change-in-water-disinfectant-is-essential-for-safe-drinking-water/
Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is chloramine? Chloramine is a disinfectant used in drinking water to kill bacteria and viruses. The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) uses chloramine in its water system, which is then delivered to the Seis Lagos Utility District (SLUD) for distribution.

2. What is free chlorine? Free chlorine is a disinfectant used in drinking water to kill bacteria and viruses. The NTMWD uses free chlorine in the water it delivers to SLUD.

3. What is a free chlorine conversion? A free chlorine conversion temporarily switches the disinfection process from chloramines (chlorine and ammonia) to free chlorine (chlorine only) to improve long-term water quality.

4. What are the benefits of a free chlorine conversion? A free chlorine conversion helps maintain water quality by:
  • Reducing disinfectant byproducts
  • Clearing organic matter in pipes
  • Improving taste and odor
  • Ensuring adequate disinfectant levels

5. Are free chlorine conversions common? Yes, free chlorine conversions are a common maintenance practice endorsed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

6. How long does a free chlorine conversion last? The conversion lasts just under 30 days, after which the NTMWD returns to chloramine disinfection.

7. Will my water taste or smell different during the conversion? You might notice a chlorine smell during the conversion. This is normal and the water remains safe to drink, meeting all TCEQ and EPA standards.

8. Why is there flushing during the conversion? SLUD flushes to ensure free chlorine reaches all parts of the distribution system. Flushing will occur again when switching back to chloramine.

9. Could flushing cause a drop in water pressure? Most customers will not notice a drop in pressure. If it happens, it will be brief.

10. Can flushing cause cloudiness or sediment in my water? Flushing can stir up sediments, causing temporary cloudiness. If this occurs, run faucets until the water clears. Avoid washing clothes to prevent staining.

11. Will pool owners need to treat water differently? Maintain the same chlorine level in pool water treated with either free chlorine or chloramines. Consult pool supply stores for more information.

12. How can I remove chlorine from my water? Remove free chlorine by boiling water, leaving water to vent, or adding lemon juice. Note these methods do not remove chloramine. Water filtration devices can also reduce chlorine levels.

13. Where can I learn more about drinking water disinfection and free chlorine conversions? Visit the TCEQ Website.

14. Does the free chlorine conversion pose any health risks? No, the process is safe and poses no health risks. The water remains safe for all common uses.