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Temporary Adjustment to Chlorine Disinfectant in Water Treatment Process


                        MCRWASA Logo - Copy
June 6, 2018
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
David Bone       
Chairman, MCRWASA
252-789-4300   
dbone@martincountyncgov.com

                                                                                               

Temporary Adjustment to Chlorine Disinfectant in Water Treatment Process for Williamston, Parts of Martin County Starting on June 18th

Beginning June 18, 2018 and continuing through July 30, 2018, the Martin County Regional Water and Sewer Authority (MCRWASA), the Town of Williamston and Martin County Water District #2 will temporarily change the disinfectant used in the water treatment process. MCRWASA, the Town of Williamston and Martin County Water District #2 will be using chlorine rather than chloramines during this six-week period.
 
Since June 2016, MCRWASA has supplied water to the Town of Williamston and Martin County Water District #2 using chloramines, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, as the disinfectant in its water treatment process. “Chloramines are an effective disinfectant and also reduce the level of byproducts that are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency,” said Joe Thaxton, Project Manager and Operator at the MCRWASA water treatment plant.  He added, “State drinking water guidelines recommend water systems using chloramines periodically switch back to free chlorine (chlorine alone) for a period of time. This brief, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice to keep water mains clean and free of potentially harmful bacteria throughout the year.”
 
“Switching to free chlorine at this time is a proactive step to ensure we maintain optimal levels of disinfection in the water distribution system. As always, the drinking water will be regularly monitored to ensure that the water delivered meets or is better than federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards,” said David Bone, MCRWASA Chairman and Martin County Manager.
 
During this six-week change to free chlorine, customers may notice a slight change in the taste or smell of their tap water. The mild chlorine taste and smell is normal and poses no health risk. Most customers will not need to take any precautions, as the water remains safe to drink and is treated according to both state and federal standards.
 
People and businesses that normally take special precautions to remove chloramines from tap water, such as dialysis centers, medical facilities and aquatic pet owners, should continue to take the same precautions during the temporary switch from chloramines to free chlorine.
 
Customers may also notice an increase in the frequency and volume of water flushed from the fire hydrants in the Williamston and Martin County Water District #2 distribution systems. This systematic flushing, which will be accompanied by water sampling and analysis, is designed to ensure that the free chlorine disinfectant reaches all sections of the distribution systems at concentrations in compliance with State rules.  
 
For additional information, customers are asked to contact their water system:
 
 
 
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