Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA) will temporarily change its water disinfection process from a combination of chlorine and ammonia (chloramine) to chlorine only from March 25 through April 8. This is annual routine maintenance.
The Gulf Coast Water Authority (GCWA) will temporarily change its water disinfection process from a combination of chlorine and ammonia (chloramine) to chlorine only March 25-April 8.
This annual routine maintenance practice allows GCWA and the communities it serves the opportunity to flush their water systems to prevent taste and odor problems that can occur during the hottest months of the year.
All Galveston County communities except League City, Friendswood and Bolivar will be included.
As part of the disinfection process, municipalities and water districts will flush their systems by opening fire hydrants. Water users may notice some water discoloration or cloudiness. These conditions are harmless and temporary and should be remedied by fire hydrant flushing. The chlorine maintenance process has not been linked to any adverse health effects.
While the levels of chlorine in the water during the temporary disinfectant change are consistent with levels found in the water throughout the year, the temporary suspension of ammonia can make the chlorine odor more noticeable.
SPECIAL NOTE
Owners of fish and reptiles should follow standard water treatments using products that remove both chlorine and chloramine from the water.
Dialysis centers will continue to treat the water to remove all chemical disinfectants, including chlorine and chloramine, before the water is used for dialysis. Home dialysis users should consult their machine manufacturers for instructions on how to properly treat their water before use.
Water users can contact their local municipality or water district with questions about the water system disinfection.
ABOUT GULF COAST WATER AUTHORITY GCWA is a special water district that provides water for industry, agriculture and communities in Brazoria, Fort Bend and Galveston counties. Read more at http://gulfcoastwaterauthority.com and follow GCWA on Facebook and Twitter.