Beginning Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) will be conducting system flushing and temporarily change the disinfection process for the drinking water supply in your community.
The FGUA conducts system flushing as part of its prudent utility practice. Flushing will remove sediment from the system that has been in the pipes for a long time. Sediment left in the pipes has led to odor and discoloration in some communities, which occurs as chlorine that is used to treat the water subsides.
When the FGUA temporarily changes the disinfection process, your water will be disinfected with free chlorine rather than combined chlorine/ammonia (chloramines). This conversion to free chlorine (which is a stronger, faster-acting disinfectant) from chloramines (which is a longer-lasting disinfectant) allows the FGUA to perform a water distribution system purge as recommended by the Department of Environmental Protection for water utilities using chloramines as their primary disinfectant. This temporary change in disinfection is expected to end Monday, October 21st, 2024.
This process will not cause adverse health effects. However, during this period, you may notice some discoloration and or cloudiness in your water. You may also find air pockets in the system. The discoloration and air are harmless. If you do come across this, you may want to run water through the tap until it runs clear. Some areas may also experience a temporary fluctuation in water pressure or slight increase in the taste and odor of chlorine.
Customers who use tap water for kidney dialysis at home should properly monitor their process for complete neutralization of disinfectant residual and should contact their doctor for more information.
To condition tap water for use in an aquarium, de-chlorinating products should be used that neutralize both combined and free chlorine. The water should be tested with a kit that can measure both combined and free chlorine.
Please call the FGUA at (239) 368-1615 with any questions or visit the FGUA website at www.FGUA.com for additional information on this process. The FGUA appreciates your patience as we work to maintain clean and clear water in your system.