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The city of Beaumont public water system, while reportedly temporarily converting the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine, is advising residents that the water coming through the pipes may seem different than it had previously. Additionally, the “taste and odor changes” water customers are experiencing are anticipated to continue through Sept. 12.
“During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes associated with this type of temporary disinfectant conversion,” Beaumont officials issued in a public advisory. “Customers will likely be able to notice the difference, but there are no health effects associated with the change. Once the water system has returned to using chloramine as the disinfectant, the taste/odor of the water will return to normal.”
City officials report that, “Public water systems are required to properly disinfect their water and maintain an adequate disinfectant residual in the distribution system. Chloramine, free chlorine combined with ammonia, is widely used as a disinfectant because it persists for long periods while also limiting the formation of disinfection byproduct contaminants.
“Prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can affect water quality, such as high temperatures or stagnation of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system, which may hinder the ability to maintain an adequate disinfectant residual. A temporary conversion to free chlorine, partnered with flushing activities, helps to rid distribution pipes of this organic matter and improve the quality of your water overall.”
Beaumont has elected “to implement a temporary disinfectant conversion to free chlorine because of rising nitrification levels in the water system” despite the fact that “Properly conducted free chlorine conversions can often cause the water to have a different taste and/ or odor than when using chloramine for disinfection.”
Those seeking more information are urged to contact Water Production Superintendent Troy Pierce at (409) 880-3785.
Adding to the water works issues in Beaumont, on Aug. 30, “due to the continued lack of rain and excessive heat,” Beaumont re-issued Mandatory Water Restrictions at Stage 2.
“The city is requiring all customers to conserve and discontinue water use for non-essential purposes, which includes landscaping, pools (and) more. During this time, customers are required to limit irrigation of landscaping, limit washing of vehicles, and discontinue filling and refilling pools except for your designated days,” as further detailed in the municipality’s posted drought planning protocol at www. ecode360.com/38683374.
“With your help in conserving water through everyone’s efforts, we hope to lift these restrictions as soon as possible,” the city’s advisory concluded.