Central Broward News

The City of Sunrise maintains the highest quality standards to provide clean, safe drinking water to its customers, which includes the City of Weston. From January 23 through February 20, the Sunrise Utility Department, which provides water to the City of Weston, will switch from monochloramine to free chlorine disinfection in its drinking water treatment system to provide additional protection against bacteria. 

This procedure does not cause any adverse health effects.   However, some individuals may notice a slight change in the taste, odor or color of the water during this time.

Crews are periodically flushing hydrants throughout Weston, as part of the annual temporary change in chlorination treatment process.  Hydrant flushing may cause discolored tap water due to sediment that has settled within your water distribution system.  This is normal and does not pose a health hazard. Please flush your tap until water runs clear, including the water line in your refrigerator.

Special Considerations:  Kidney dialysis centers, nephrologists and hospitals have been notified in order for them to make any adjustments necessary in the various processes which they operate.  Any questions regarding kidney dialysis should be directed to the user’s doctor or dialysis specialist.

Some aquatic and marine animal species are sensitive to free chlorine; persons maintaining aquariums with any sensitive species may wish to contact their pet supply stores regarding dechlorination.  

What is Free Chlorination?

Chlorine has helped provide safe drinking water in the United States for more than 100 years.  Chlorine is by far the most commonly used drinking water disinfectant in all regions of the world. Today, about 98% of U.S. water treatment systems use some type of chlorine disinfection process to help provide safe drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires treated tap water to contain a detectable level of chlorine to protect against germs as it flows from the treatment plant to consumers’ taps.  

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is chlorine in drinking water safe? 
  The small amount of chlorine added to disinfect drinking water in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations is safe for consumption. According to EPA, allowable chlorine levels in drinking water (up to 4 parts per million) pose “no known or expected health risk."
• Is chlorine in drinking water safe? 
  The small amount of chlorine added to disinfect drinking water in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations is safe for consumption. According to EPA, allowable chlorine levels in drinking water (up to 4 parts per million) pose “no known or expected health risk."
  
  
• How long will the free chlorination process last? 
  This is a temporary process that lasts approximately three weeks.
  
  
• Is this the first time the City of Sunrise has used free chlorination?
  No.
  
  
• Do other cities perform free chlorination? 
  Yes. This a common industry practice. There are many utilities in Broward County and throughout the U.S. that use chloramines as a distribution system disinfectant which convert to free chlorine on a periodic basis.
  
  
• Does free chlorination change or affect water quality? 
  No, the drinking water still meets all State and Federal water quality standards.
  
  
• Will I notice a change in my water? 
  Some people may notice a change in the taste or odor during this time, but adverse health effects are not expected.
  
  
• Why does my water taste/smell different? 
  Your water may taste or smell different because the City of Sunrise is temporarily changing its disinfection process. There will be a change from chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to chlorine only. Water systems using chloramines periodically change to chlorine as part of a maintenance program within the water distribution system. During this temporary change to chlorine, you may notice a slight difference in the taste or smell of your tap water.
  
  
• What can I do to improve the water taste/smell? 
  We suggest storing water in an open pitcher and placing it in your refrigerator for a few hours. The chlorine will naturally dissipate from the water, and will become less noticeable.

Additional Information

Information about drinking water and health is available on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, and through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791. 

For details regarding the City of Sunrise's treatment system, please contact the Utilities Department at 954-888-6000.

Original source can be found here.