[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chlorine disinfection of water switches to chloramine method today

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Columbia Water & Light
573-874-7325
wlmail at CoMo.gov


Chlorine disinfection of water switches to chloramine method today

COLUMBIA, MO (September 13, 2016) - During the summer months, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources recommends Columbia Water & Light switch from the chloramine (chlorine plus ammonia) to the chlorine disinfection process. On Tuesday, September 13, the utility will change back to chloramine disinfection method so the water will not have as strong of a chlorine taste and smell.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recommends that Columbia switch back to chlorine for several months of the year to reduce the nitrification caused by the chloramine disinfection method. Columbia Water & Light switched to chlorine disinfection in June. It might take a couple of days for the chloramine disinfected water to make its way to the customers on the edges of the water distribution system.

Water must be disinfected to prevent bacterial growth and prevent disease causing illnesses like typhoid, hepatitis and cholera. The disinfection method used in Columbia allows for disinfection of the water through the distribution system all the way to the faucet. The Columbia Water Treatment Plant first disinfects the water with chlorine, and then adds ammonia, forming chloramine. Chloramine is a common disinfectant that has been used for over 90 years. There are 0.6 milligrams of ammonia added per liter of water. For comparison, this would be similar to adding six grains of table salt to a one gallon container of water.

For more details about the Columbia water system, please search for the Water Quality Report and the water testing results at CoMo.gov.



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