CITY OF BRENHAM TO PERFORM WATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE BEGINNING SEPT. 1

  

The City of Brenham public water system will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system beginning next month.

From September 1-30, the system will adjust from using chloramine to free chlorine.  The city says the conversion is for routine maintenance and is designed to sustain clean water and minimize the potential for harmful bacteria in the water system.  While there are no signs of bacteriological contamination in the water system, the maintenance period will be used to prevent nitrifying bacteria and biofilm from forming.

During maintenance, customers may notice discoloration or cloudiness in the water and possibly a chlorine odor or taste.  If this happens, they are encouraged to run water through the tap until it clears.  The water is safe to drink throughout this process.

Residents may see open fire hydrants throughout the city.  This allows flushing of the system, helping to remove sediment from pipes and distribute the change in disinfectant.  Minor pressure fluctuations and small air pockets may also occur.  At the end of conversion, the standard disinfection process will be reintroduced and the system will go back to normal operating conditions.

Customers who use tap water for kidney dialysis at home should contact their doctor to see if any changes are necessary in their procedures.  Residents using the water for aquariums should monitor chlorine residuals.

For questions, contact Water System Superintendent Gerardo Saldivar at 979-337-7434 or jsaldivar@cityofbrenham.org.