Tyler Reporter

City of Tyler issued the following announcement.

City to change water disinfectant process for one month

The City of Tyler will convert its disinfection process to free chlorine for a period of approximately one month beginning Sept. 14 and ending on Oct. 12. Generally, there are no noticeable changes in water quality as a result of this temporary conversion.  However, some individuals may notice taste and odor changes and a slight discoloration to the water. 

The City of Tyler currently uses chloramines (a combination of free chlorine and ammonia) to disinfect its drinking water supply prior to customer distribution. This is a reliable disinfection process that has been recommended by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for systems predominantly treating surface waters, such as those in the Tyler water system. 

It is standard industry practice to periodically convert chloramines back to free chlorine to improve and maintain the highest water quality standards in potable water distribution systems. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the TCEQ support this process as a necessary and effective measure for maintaining water quality. Tyler began using this process for annual, routine maintenance in October 2014.   

The City will implement directional flushing, combined with routine water quality monitoring, as measures to remove iron particles from water lines and to maintain the highest water quality for customers during the conversion. 

Some iron particles may still make it into customer service lines despite the City’s efforts. Customers who experience discoloration should temporarily flush faucets, tubs and toilets, until the water has cleared. Clothing should not be washed during times of discoloration to reduce the possibility of staining. Prior to washing clothing, customers may want to run a little water in a bathtub to check for discoloration.  

Periodic pressure drops may also be experienced due to the City’s extensive flushing efforts. Noticeable water quality changes associated with conversions are normally short lived and are not public health risks. 

Customers can safely consume and use their drinking water as normal during the conversion period. However, dialysis patients should consult with their physicians prior to the conversion to ascertain whether pretreatment adjustments are necessary for their dialysis equipment. Most dialysis equipment has already been outfitted with charcoal filters that remove free chlorine and chloramines; however, customers should check with their doctor as a precautionary measure. The City of Tyler has notified local hospitals and dialysis clinics in advance so that they can implement process changes if necessary. 

Those conditioning water for fish or aquariums may also need to make changes to their water pre-treatment process. 

At the conclusion of the conversion period, which should occur on or about Oct. 12, the City of Tyler will convert its disinfection process back to chloramines. 

Contact the Tyler Water Utilities Service Center at (903) 531-1285 with any questions or concerns regarding this temporary disinfection conversion.

About the Chlorine Conversion Process:

• The water is still safe to drink throughout the process.
• The city generally uses a mixture of chlorine and ammonia, called chloramines, to disinfect our water.
• The chlorine maintains the disinfection of the water in the distribution system, and the ammonia bonds with the chlorine to make it last longer in the pipes and more likely to maintain the mandated chlorine residual (Ch. 290 of the Texas Administrative Code) in the far reaches of the system.
• But there are non-pathogenic organisms that affect the ammonia and, overtime, can weaken its ability to bond with the chlorine in the system. This is called nitrification.
• Chlorine conversion is a best practice (supported by TCEQ and the EPA, regulatory agencies) that the City of Tyler implements annually (beginning in Oct. 2014) to maintain adequate disinfectant residuals in our water system and to control nitrification.
• During this free chlorine conversion, the disinfection process will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine. Free chlorine is a stronger and faster-acting disinfectant.
• Switching disinfectants starves these non-pathogenic organisms, creating a clean slate for disinfection.
• The switch from free chloramines to free chlorine isn’t immediate, so it may take a few days for residents to notice a change.
• Residents may experience some discoloration or cloudiness in their water, as well as a slight chlorine odor or taste.
• If this is experienced, you may want to run the water through the tap until it clears. Minor pressure fluctuations and small air pockets may also occur. 
• Any odor and color issues will be nuisance only, which will subside as the flushing is completed. Discoloration in laundry is possible during this time. Cleaning additives are readily available at local stores to help prevent or remove any discoloration that may occur.
• People bothered by the taste should let the water run for a few minutes before drinking it or fill a pitcher and put it in the refrigerator because chlorine oxidizes over time, reducing the amount in the water.
• A carbon filter, either on the faucet or in a pitcher, or a squeeze of lemon will also help.
• Customers may notice open fire hydrants throughout the city during this period. The fire hydrants will be opened to allow flushing of the system to help remove sediment from the pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant.
• During flushing, customers may experience lower water pressure. If you’re completely out of water, or have extremely low water pressures, contact the Tyler Water Utilities Service Center immediately at (903) 531-1285. If your water pressure is just lower than normal, but is adequate to carry out your daily routine, please be patient, as this pressure drop will likely be short-lived. Water pressures should return to normal after flushing has been terminated in your area, and subsequent to the termination of the conversion.
• Customers who use tap water for kidney dialysis at home should consult their doctor to advise them if any changes are necessary in their residual disinfectant neutralization procedures. Customers utilizing the water for aquariums should monitor both free and combined chlorine residuals or ask their equipment supplier.
• Residents may call (903) 531-1285 with any questions concerning the free chlorine flush.

Original source can be found here.