Durham Reporter

City of Durham issued the following announcement on Feb. 13.

Durham water customers may notice a slight change in the taste and scent of their tap water beginning Friday, February 24 and continuing through Monday, April 10 as the City of Durham’s Department of Water Management performs its annual water treatment disinfection changeover process. 

Required by federal and state regulations, the changeover is performed each year during the spring and will not affect the safety or quality of Durham’s drinking water. This annual process involves temporarily switching from the chlorine and ammonia combination ordinarily used to disinfect Durham’s water to chlorine only. City water treatment staff will stop adding ammonia on February 24 and resume its use on April 10. The temporary switch to chlorine only is a precautionary measure to ensure the entire water distribution system remains clean. 

To disperse the chlorine throughout the system, the department’s Water & Sewer Maintenance Division will systematically flush hydrants across the city beginning on Monday, February 27. The disinfection process and systematic flushing will last approximately six weeks.

What to Look for in Neighborhoods

While Water Management crews are in their neighborhoods, residents may notice a slight discoloration in their tap water. Dialysis patients and aquarium/pond owners should continue to take special precautions to remove traces of ammonia and chlorine from water prior to its use. 

Before washing white clothing, customers should check their water and, if noticing any discoloration, turn on the tap until the water runs clear. If discoloration persists, contact the department at (919) 560-4344. If a stronger than normal taste or odor is present in drinking water, try storing some in the refrigerator for later use since chlorine dissipates after a few hours.

Original source can be found here.