The North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), the city's water supplier, has announced their annual maintenance from March 4 to April 1, which involves a temporary change in the water disinfection process. This switch to using only chlorine, instead of the usual chlorine-ammonia mix, might make your water taste or smell a bit off. But don't worry, the water is still deemed safe for all uses, including drinking and bathing.
The purpose of this switch is to leverage chlorine's potent microorganism-killing abilities for a thorough cleaning of the water system. The NTMWD assures that this measure is a normal part of maintaining a safe water supply, a necessity embraced by water suppliers everywhere to keep water free from pathogens. According to the City of Allen, "Water suppliers must keep drinking water free of disease-causing microorganisms," a task that requires regular upkeep of the pipes, tanks, and towers that store and deliver our water.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets the water quality standards that guide NTMWD. The district, along with the City of Allen and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), conducts thousands of tests annually. These routine screenings ensure compliance with both federal and state health and safety guidelines — guidelines that Allen's water consistently meets, earning it a "Superior Water System" rating by the city.
Some residents might become more aware of a chlorine odor or taste during this period — a direct result of the absence of ammonia, which typically neutralizes such effects. "During most of the year, NTMWD uses a combination of chlorine and ammonia to guard against bacteria in our water system," as per the City of Allen. When ammonia is temporarily removed, chlorine stands out more. NTMWD does not, however, increase the chlorine levels. It's simply more noticeable without ammonia's moderating presence.
For those who are sensitive to these changes, there are ways to reduce the taste or odor. Running the tap water for a few minutes or chilling water in an open pitcher could help. Faucet-mounted filters are another option for combating the chlorine taste. While none of these steps are necessary from a safety standpoint, they might enhance your water-drinking experience during the maintenance period.
