Residents in Cary, Apex, and neighboring areas are bracing for a switch in their water treatment process, set to begin on March 1. The Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility will be temporarily halting the addition of ammonia to its disinfection process, a change that's a part of an annual maintenance routine recommended by state and federal guidelines. Instead, they will be using free chlorine to cleanse the system, a practice that is common amongst municipal water systems, as reported by the Town of Cary's official announcement.
The temporary alteration is expected to imbue the water with a slight increase in chlorine odor and, in certain instances, might even cause the water to appear a tad discolored. While most residents will find this change innocuous, it poses a notable concern for folks relying on kidney dialysis machines, fish aquariums, or anyone with a particular sensitivity to chlorine. The water you pour might host a mix of chlorine and ammonia both at the start and toward the end of this process. It's not the most comforting thought, but Utilities Director Jamie Revels assures that any shifts in water quality are temporary and pretty much par for the course. Revels, speaking to the Town of Cary, said, "This disinfection process is an integral part of maintaining our utility system and ensures our award-winning water is safe all year, every year."
The plant, which supplies treated water to a considerable swath of the area—including Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and parts of Research Triangle Park—is set to finish the conversion on April 10, when they'll resume the ammonia addition. This scheduled pause in utilizing ammonia to disinfect the water supply is in accordance with the recommendations put forth by the State of North Carolina and is a move mirrored by other municipalities looking to maintain their water system's integrity.
While disruption to daily life should be minimal, the town advises locals to remain vigilant. This includes checking the water before laundering white clothes—no one wants a surprise tint to their laundry. If your water comes out looking like a weak tea, running your faucet for a few minutes should help clear it out. For those with questions, or if the discoloration hangs around like an unwelcome guest, you can reach out to 311 within Cary or dial (919) 469-4000 outside town limits. Remember, there's no need to panic—according to Jamie Revels' words to the Town of Cary, it's all part of the drill to keep our H2O up to snuff.
