CITY OF BRENHAM PERFORMING YEARLY WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The City of Brenham’s Water Department will soon be conducting annual chlorine maintenance for the city’s distribution system.
The routine maintenance will take place from tomorrow (Thursday) through August 30th. It is designed to keep the water supply clean and minimize the potential of harmful bacteria.
City Water System Superintendent Matthew Monfreda said, although there are no indications of bacteria in the city’s water system, the maintenance is used to prevent nitrifying bacteria and biofilm from forming.
Monfreda said, during this time, the water disinfection process will be changed from chloramines to free chlorine, which he said is a “stronger and faster-acting disinfectant”.
Customers may notice open fire hydrants throughout the city, to allow flushing of the system. After flushing, the system will return to normal operating conditions, with the standard disinfection process.
There may be minor pressure fluctuations and small air pockets. Customers may also notice temporary discoloration or cloudiness in the water, or a possible chlorine odor or taste. If this occurs, run water through the tap until it clears.
The water is safe to drink through the system maintenance. Any odor and color changes will subside as the flushing is complete.
For patients that use tap water at home for kidney dialysis, they are encouraged to contact their doctor to see if any changes are necessary in their procedures. For customers using tap water for aquariums, they should monitor chlorine residuals.
Anyone with questions can contact Monfreda by calling 979-337-7434, or by emailing mmonfreda@cityofbrenham.org.