Chlorine Disinfection FAQs

1. What are chloramines?

Chloramines are a disinfectant used in drinking water to inactivate bacteria and viruses.

2. What is free chlorine?

Free chlorine is a stronger disinfectant than chloramines, which may be used to inactivate slightly more resistant bacteria and viruses that may be found in the water distribution system.

3. Is free chlorine and chloraminated water safe?

Yes, both are safe for people and animals to drink, for cooking and bathing, watering the garden, and for all other common uses. However, precautions must be taken to remove or neutralize chloramines and free chlorine during the kidney dialysis process, in the preparation of water for fish tanks and ponds, and for businesses requiring highly-processed water.

4. Why are free chlorine and chloramines harmful for dialysis patients?

Both free chlorine and chloramines may harm kidney dialysis patients during the dialysis process if they are not removed from water before passing into the bloodstream. Like everyone else, dialysis patients may drink water treated with either free chlorine or chloramines because the digestive process neutralizes these chemicals before they can enter the bloodstream.

5. How can I remove chlorine from my water?

Chlorine can be removed by boiling water, adding a bit of lemon juice, or filling a container with water and leaving it to vent.

6. Will pool owners need to treat water differently?

Pool owners must maintain the same chlorine level in water treated with either free chlorine or chloramines to prevent algae and bacterial growth. Pool supply stores can provide pool owners with more information.

7. What does “hydrant flushing” mean?

NMB Water will draw the chlorinated water through fire hydrants for several days. The flushing also allows sediments/minerals that have collected in the water mains to be washed out. Additionally, the flushing process is part of NMB Water’s annual hydrant maintenance program.

8. Will I see a drop in water pressure during the hydrant flushing?

Most customers will not see a drop in water pressure. If a change in pressure does occur, it usually lasts for only 30 minutes or less.

9. Will hydrant flushing in my area cause cloudiness or sediment in my water?

The flushing process can stir up sediments and minerals in water mains, occasionally resulting in some short-term cloudy water conditions. If you encounter such conditions, please flush the water from tap until the cloudiness dissipates.

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11. Monthly Billing – Frequently Asked Questions – English
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14. Chlorine Disinfection FAQs