UPDATED: Public Utilities Temporarily Switches To Chlorine

By Department of Public Communications

October 18, 2012

The temporary change from chloramines to free chlorine is scheduled to be completed on Monday, October 22, 2012. Public Utilities will return to the use of chloramines at that time. It may take several days for any lingering chlorine taste and/or odor to clear from the water supply. Again, this is a routine maintenance process and does not pose a public health risk.

<<<<<<<< ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE sent September 26, 2012 >>>>>>>>

CHESAPEAKE – As part of routine maintenance procedures, the Chesapeake Public Utilities Department will temporarily switch from chloramines to free chlorine as the disinfecting agent added to City water. This routine change will pose NO impact on public health nor the safety of City water and is in keeping with all state and federal regulations. The switch to free chlorine will begin on October 1, 2012, with a return to chloramines on October 22, 2012. This change will affect water for all City customers except those in Western Branch in the area along and north of Airline Boulevard. The last time this maintenance change was conducted was in January 2009.

It is possible that residents may notice a chlorine-like smell, often referred to as a “swimming pool smell,” in their water during the change. This is not harmful and will dissipate as the change continues. It is also possible that residents may notice brief discoloration – again this is normal and residents only need to wait a short time for this to clear up. Residents on kidney dialysis and those with aquariums should continue to treat their water in the same manner as with chloramines, as this is more than would be required for free chlorine.

Residents with questions or concerns should contact the Public Utilities Water Quality Laboratory at 382-3550.