Water Production Update: Temporary Disinfectant Conversion from Chloramine to Free Chlorine
The City of Beaumont public water system, (PWS) ID TX1230001, will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine. The conversion will begin on August 22, 2023 and continue through September 12, 2023. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion.
Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and maintain an adequate disinfectant residual in the distribution system. Chloramine, free chlorine combined with ammonia, is widely used as a disinfectant because it persists for long periods while also limiting the formation of disinfection by-product contaminants. Prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can affect water quality, such as high temperatures or stagnation of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system, which may hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual. A temporary conversion to free chlorine, partnered with flushing activities, helps to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter and improve the quality of your water overall.
The City of Beaumont has chosen to implement a temporary disinfectant conversion to free chlorine because of rising nitrification levels in the water system. Properly conducted free chlorine conversions can often cause the water to have a different taste and/or odor than when using chloramine for disinfection. Customers will likely be able to notice the difference, but there are no health effects associated with the change. Once the water system has returned to using chloramine as the disinfectant, the taste/odor of the water will return to normal.
Help us share this information with anyone who drinks the water, especially those who may not have seen this notice directly (i.e., people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). Feel free to post this notice in a public place or print copies to share.
If you have questions regarding this matter, you may contact Troy Pierce, Water Production Superintendent at 409-880-3785.
