Orange Water and Sewer Authority will temporarily alter its drinking water treatment process throughout the month of March, using just chlorine instead of a combination of chlorine and ammonia.

“Water will remain safe to drink during this time, but customers might notice a change in taste or odor of drinking water,” said a release from OWASA.

OWASA has used combination of chlorine and ammonia, known as chloramines, to disinfect drinking water throughout the year. According to OWASA, the change in treatment process this month is recommended by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and is an annual standard practice among water providers.

The agency will “flush” the system to ensure that chlorine reaches all 400 miles of pipes across Chapel Hill and Carrboro. This involves releasing water from fire hydrants in the service area. A similar water disinfection process will take place in Hillsborough beginning on March 1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4mis6ffty8

Flushing may cause some discoloration in water. If discoloration occurs, run the water for a few minutes until it becomes clear. If the discoloration does not clear after a few minutes, customers are urged to call OWASA at (919) 968-4421.

Throughout the change, water will remain safe to drink. For customers that wish to neutralize the chlorine taste, here are a few suggestions from OWASA:

  • Customers can consider storing water in an open container in the refrigerator; chlorine taste and odor will dissipate over time.
  • Residents can also add a few lemon slices to the tap water; the lemon has ascorbic acid, which neutralizes chlorine.
  • Some home filters also use activated carbon to reduce the taste and odor.
  • Customers can also boil water for one minute and the chlorine will evaporate.

To learn more about OWASA’s water treatment process, visit the agency’s website. Information on the water treatment in Hillsborough can be found on the town’s website.

Featured image via the Town of Hillsborough

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