Water treatment method switched

The method of water treatment for Pinellas County and its wholesale customers will be temporarily modified between Tuesday, May 27, and Monday, June 16. This short-term change from chloramine to chlorine disinfection is a routine maintenance measure designed to optimize water quality.

Those impacted include Pinellas County water customers as well as customers in the cities of Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor and Tarpon Springs.

This disinfection program is designed to maintain distribution system water quality and minimize the potential for any future problem. There have been no indications of significant bacteriological contamination problems in the system. The water will continue to meet federal and state standards for safe drinking water.

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.

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.

Many communities using chloramine convert back to 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.

Contact Pinellas County Utilities for more information or contact Pinellas County Customer Service at (727) 464-4000.