FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: CHLORINE MAINTENANCE

1. WHAT IS CHLORINE MAINTENANCE?

Chlorine maintenance is a temporary process that distributes free chlorine in place of chloramine throughout the water distribution system as part of routine distribution system maintenance. It’s a common practice typically performed once or twice a year over a three-week period to remove biofilms from inside the distribution pipes.

2. HOW IS CHLORINE ADDED TO DRINKING WATER?

Water treatment operators use a liquid Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOH) solution.

3. HOW LONG HAS U.S. DRINKING WATER BEEN CHLORINATED?

100+ years.

4. HOW COMMON IS CHLORINE DISINFECTION OF DRINKING WATER?

By far, chlorine is the most common form of disinfection in all regions of the world. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requires treated tap water to contain a detectable level of chlorine to protect against bacteria as it flows through the distribution system to customer’s taps.

5. IS CHLORINE IN DRINKING WATER SAFE?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization have determined that chloramine and chlorine are a safe disinfectant if within regulatory standards and has no known or expected adverse health effects. Chloramine and chlorine must be removed from the water prior to use in dialysis machines and can be harmful to fish and amphibians. However, proper filters and dichlorination products can address these concerns.

6. IS THIS THE FIRST TIME THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH HAS USED FREE CHLORINE?

No, chlorine maintenance is typically performed every 6 months.

7. DO OTHER CITIES PERFORM CHLORINE MAINTENANCE?

Yes, this is a very common industry practice. There are many utilities throughout the country that use chloramines as a distribution system disinfectant which convert to free chlorine on a periodic basis.

8. DOES FREE CHLORINE CHANGE OUR WATER QUALITY?

No, the drinking water will continue to meet all State and Federal water quality standards.

9. WILL I NOTICE A CHANGE IN MY WATER?

Free chlorine is a stronger disinfectant compared to chloramines; therefore, some people may notice a change in the taste or smell of the drinking water during this time, but the change does not have any adverse health effects.

10. WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE THE WATER TASTE/SMELL?

If you are especially sensitive to the taste or smell of chlorine, it is suggested to keep an open container of drinking water in your refrigerator for a few hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.

11. WHAT ARE THE METHODS FOR REMOVING CHLORINE/CHLORAMINES FROM AQUARIUMS?

Both chlorine and chloramines can be harmful to saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles, shellfish, and amphibians that live in water. Commercial establishments and hobbyists involved in fish rearing need to take precautions. There are two methods that can be used to remove or neutralize chloramines before adding water to a fish tank, pond, or aquarium. (1) Granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration system specifically designed to remove chloramines, or (2) conditioner or additive that contains de-chlorinating chemical for both ammonia and chlorine. These products are available at local pet and aquarium supply stores. Residential and commercial fish owners are advised to verify which method is best for them with their pet store or aquatic/aquarium retailer.

12. I NOTICED THE FIRE HYDRANT ON MY STREET FLOWING, IS THIS PART OF THE FREE CHLORINATION PROCESS?

Flushing fire hydrants is a routine part of the free chlorination process, as a result increased flushing may be observed during this time, occurring in predetermined areas throughout the City.

13. WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

For additional information please contact the City at (561) 243-7312, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.