On Monday, the Prince William County Service Authority began their free chlorine flushing program in the county.
According to a release, some residents may notice that there is a mild chlorinated taste or smell in their water until the beginning of the summer. This difference comes from the use of the chlorine in the water.
Typically Fairfax Water uses chloramine throughout the year, but the chlorine flushing is a far more aggressive disinfectant formulation, and this produces the smell and taste.
The Service Authority stated in a release that the addition of chlorine in the water is only a temporary change, and that it is necessary, as it will prevent bacteria found in the water from being able to form a resistance against the normal chloramine formulation.
Over the long term, using chloramine is a better option for the water system, according to the Service Authority, because it produces lower amounts of disinfection biproducts. These biproducts are possible hazards that can form when typical chlorine mixed with organic substances already present in the water.
Additionally, chloramine’s formulation is more stable in the water distribution system over an extended period of time, according to a release.
Residents should not see a disturbance in water delivery in their homes.
The Service Authority noted that the process of converting to the chlorine formulation for the time being will require drawing chlorinated water out of fire hydrants for the coming weeks. The flushing is also being done to allow any sediments or minerals present in water mains.
