Annual water system maintenance program set to begin

The method of water treatment utilized by Pinellas County and its wholesale customers will be temporarily modified between Sept. 4 and Oct. 5, 2012. This short-term change from chloramine to chlorine disinfection is a routine maintenance measure designed to optimize water quality. The maintenance program was originally scheduled to begin Aug. 27 but is being delayed one week to allow completion of Republican National Convention activities.

Those impacted by this maintenance program include Pinellas County customers as well as customers in the cities of Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Oldsmar. Many communities using chloramine annually utilize chlorine for a short period to maintain system water quality. Pinellas County switched to chloramine in 2002 to ensure compliance with Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Kidney dialysis patients should not be impacted, but should contact their dialysis care provider for more information about chlorine treatment. Fish owners should not be affected if they already have a system in place to remove chloramines, but should contact local pet suppliers with any questions.

There are no major indications of significant bacteriological contamination problems and this disinfection program is designed to maintain distribution system water quality and minimize the potential for any future problem. The water will continue to meet federal and state standards for safe drinking water. Customers may notice a slight difference in taste and/or odor of the water during this temporary change in treatment. Conditions experienced by water customers will be identical to the more than 50 years prior to 2002 when chlorine was used as the primary disinfectant in the water.

For more information, please visit the Pinellas County Utilities website or contact Pinellas County Customer Service at (727) 464-4000.