Natchitoches Water System monitors the disinfectant residual in the distribution system on a daily basis. This measurement tells the City whether it is 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.
In order to provide the most effective disinfection process, the Natchitoches Water System is making a temporary change in the type of disinfectant used in the water supply. 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.
When is this switch scheduled?
The temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine will occur on Sept. 25 – Nov. 20. If a longer duration is required, then the City will continue to use free chlorine as long as necessary.
What is being done?
The City will 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.
The City will continue to monitor the chlorine levels throughout the water system.
What should citizens do?
Citizens don’t need to boil water or take other actions. This is not an emergency. If it had been, the City would have notified everyone immediately.
What can citizens do if they notice a chlorine taste or smell?
During the temporary switch, citizens may notice a chlorine taste and/or odor in their 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 chloramine 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 chloramine from tap water are effective in removing chlorine.
